W ith a long history of producing the finest cashmere in its own mills, storied Italian textile manufacturer Loro Piana is the epitome of quiet, unhurried luxury. Its featherweight cashmere, bespoke suits and high-performance outerwear have earned the brand devotees who value its timeless designs without ostentation. And for the Loro Piana family, which has presided over the business for six generations, the uncompromising pursuit of quality is a way of life.
THE LIBRARY, BY LORO PIANA FEATURES THE BRAND’S LUXE TEXTILES, INCLUDING “MYSTIC RIVER,” A COTTON-LINEN BLEND ON BERGÈRE CHAIRS, WHILE SOFAS ARE COVERED IN THE PURE CASHMERE “DANDY.” PAINTINGS BY ROBERT INDIANA, FROM LEFT, RED SAILS, 1963 AND LOVE, 1964. PHOTOGRAPH BY COLIN MILLER. ARTWORKS © 2017 ROBERT INDIANA /ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS) NEW YORK.
A little over a decade ago, after friends expressed interest in enjoying the same level of quality and luxury in their home decor, Loro Piana launched its Interiors collection. Today, more than 600 types of fabric are available, and all textiles are made from natural fibres – the purest cashmere, cotton, jute, linen and silk. Through showrooms located around the world, these ultrachic textiles appeal to top architects, interior designers and in-the-know industry professionals, who have introduced their most discerning clients to Loro Piana’s superior products and refined aesthetic. Inspired by nature, Loro Piana believes that different textures, hues and sensibilities can coexist harmoniously when juxtaposed in thoughtful and unexpected ways.
GREY CHALK-STRIPE CASHMERE IS A VARIATION ON CLASSIC MEN’S SUITING FABRIC DRAWN FROM LORO PIANA'S ARCHIVE. PAINTING: ROBERT INDIANA, LOVE, 1974. PHOTOGRAPH BY COLIN MILLER. ARTWORK © 2017 ROBERT INDIANA /ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS) NEW YORK.
The brand’s sophisticated design philosophy is exquisitely articulated in the Library by Loro Piana, an exclusive, bespoke venue in the heart of Sotheby’s New York headquarters. Designed by Loro Piana and appointed with the Italian heritage brand’s elegant textiles, the Library is a comfortable private space for collectors to peruse auction catalogues or view works of art in a cosy environment.
The space is also ideal for cocktails, wine tastings, panel discussions or small celebratory dinners. Beautifully lit, the room accommodates works of art from every period and style, from Chinese bronzes and Old Master paintings to prints, photographs and bold contemporary art.
THE LIBRARY BY LORO PIANA AT SOTHEBY'S NEW YORK. PHOTOGRAPH BY COLIN MILLER. ARTWORKS © 2017 ROBERT INDIANA /ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS) NEW YORK.
The Library’s versatility lies in the timeless materials deployed throughout. Cashmere is used as a plush but understated floor covering, and rugs in neutral hues create visual and spatial anchors for sofas upholstered in two shades of grey chalk-stripe wool, variations on classic men’s suiting fabrics drawn from the Loro Piana archive. A complex spectrum of warmer shades, ranging from persimmon to flame-red to plum, provides contrast. Accent pillows in wool as well as linen and cotton – fabrics often assumed to be more appropriate for a beach house than an urban drawing room – bring a casual touch to the traditional mood.
But when inside the Library, or any interior by Loro Piana, all you will see is beautiful and seemingly effortless simplicity. In other words, you will feel perfectly at home.
THE LIBRARY BY LORO PIANA AT SOTHEBY’S NEW YORK. PHOTOGRAPH BY COLIN MILLER.
The Library by Loro Piana at Sotheby’s New York will be open daily to Sotheby’s Preferred members from 4–17 November. For more information, please contact +1 212 894 1595 or email preferred@sothebys.com.
LEAD IMAGE: THE LIBRARY AT SOTHEBY'S NEW YORK.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY COLIN MILLER. ARTWORKS © 2017 ROBERT INDIANA /ARTISTS RIGHTS SOCIETY (ARS) NEW YORK.
