HISTORY
Liapull Cashmere was born in Genoa in 1947, thanks to the passion and constant dedication of its founder: Lia Gambetta. A Genovese native with an entrepreneurial spirit and a visionary approach, Lia was able to create a successful company that has endured for more than 50 years, simply from a small sewing machine used as a hobby. Starting with elementary yarns such as mohair and wool, the choice of materials became progressively more sophisticated, advancing towards cashmere and silk. Today, the company is one of the most advanced in precious yarn manufacturing and experimentation. The founder’s youthful energy and the reconstructive atmosphere characteristic of post war Italy proved to be a successful combination in meeting the challenges of a new activity. And the tradition continues through the determination of her children, Mirko and Fiorella Ghignone. Mirko, artist with a creative and irreverent mentality and a passion for painting, began experimenting early on with an “action painting” technique on luxury knits, transforming Liapull over the years into an internationally renowned pioneer in the use and development of color. The Liapull headquarters occupies a strategic position that boasts a spectacular view of the city, on a hill dominating the entire bay of the Port of Genoa. The factory was acquired in the 1990s and houses the creative, production and management departments. Social identity, culture and tradition are the fundamental values that characterize every single garment produced, cherished by each individual involved in this exclusive “Made in Italy” process. Liapull’s home city of Genova has been known for centuries as the source of superior cashmere, thanks to the purity of the water used in the washing process, bestowing a distinctive softness and delicacy to the material. Lia Gambetta’s passion, passed on over the years to her children who now head the company, is what makes each product unique. A combination of master craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, while emphasizing professionalism and transparency within the company and a strong respect for the environment. Values that represent the true frontier of Liapull’s entrepreneurial growth and development, alongside continuous research and avantgarde innovation.  

CONCEPT
The union of tradition and experimentation gives rise to the AVANT TOI brand, produced and distributed by Liapull. Avant Toi was founded in 1994 within the Liapull group to satisfy the needs of a demanding and everchanging market. The creative endeavor of Mirko Ghignone now celebrates 20 years of passion and success. Characterized by a strong relationship between the art world and aesthetic research, Mirko, eclectic artist and paramour of the force of color, established the brand through the application of his creative instinct to the medium of yarns and knits. A pioneer in cashmere evolution, he excels in technical experimentation and above all in the absolute innovation of coloring, revolutionizing the world of piece dying. Central to this process is the introduction of airbrush coloring that empowers each piece with authenticity and a unique, unrepeatable character. Through infinite combinations of shades and hues, each creation recounts its own particular story. The values of the Avant Toi universe are expressed through the constant exploration of the unknown and the unexpected, perpetually distancing itself from the conventional rules of knitwear manufacturing in order to endow each piece with a sophisticated, one of a kind aspect and an avantgarde spirit. Breaking the rules in regards to stylistic and aesthetic standards is at the core of Avant Toi’s philosophy. A bridge between the classic concept of refinement and the charm of what is old and worn, in complete opposition to the customary conventions of the cashmere world.