Italian fashion house Zegna unveils an exclusive Merino wool line under the Vellus Aureum label, combining traditional craftsmanship with innovation.
Few materials capture the essence of Italian craftsmanship like Zegna Vellus Aureum. Named after the Golden Fleece of Greek mythology, Vellus Aureum wool is sourced from purebred Merino sheep, representing less than 0.05% of the world’s annual wool supply and measuring just 12 to 13 microns – thinner than the finest cashmere.
The origins of the collection date back to 1963, when Ermenegildo Zegna founded the Wool Trophy Awards in Australia to encourage wool growers to produce high-quality fiber. Six decades later, the brand broke records with a 9.4 micron fleece. The milestone underscores relentless innovation and embodies quiet luxury.
The garments are made entirely in Italy as part of the Road to Traceability program, which aims for full transparency by 2025. Each Vellus Aureum garment is equipped with an NFC tag that connects to a digital passport on the Aura blockchain, allowing customers to track their piece’s journey from farm to closet.
The global campaign highlights this balance. Filmed in a Milan villa, it stars Italian entrepreneur and vintage watch collector Auro Montanari, whose personal style reflects the collection’s philosophy. Soft tailoring and knitwear dominate the offering, including the iconic Il Conte jacket.
Launching with the Spring/Summer 2025 collection, the trademarked collection will be available exclusively in select Zegna stores worldwide.
