Behind the Seams: Inside the World of Fabric Sourcing in Italy

Sourcing fabric in Italy is definitely one of the most exciting parts of what I do. The week is packed—every single hour counts—and I’m on the move from the minute I wake up until the minute I go to sleep. Each trip is planned down to the minute, but there’s always room for a little spontaneity. That’s the nature of sourcing dead stock—you never know exactly what you’re going to find, and that’s part of the fun.

On the Road

A lot of people think sourcing fabrics is all about browsing fancy showrooms in Milan, but the reality is way more down to earth (and interesting). I spend half the trip driving all over the country to meet suppliers. Some of the best finds are tucked away in lesser-known regions, and they can only be discovered through word of mouth. I meet with over 20 suppliers in 5 days, and each one could have something completely different from the last. It’s like a treasure hunt, and I love every second of it.

The Thrill of the Hunt 

Finding a gem of a fabric is honestly one of the best feelings. You walk into a supplier’s space, and there it is—something that stops you in your tracks. But, of course, you can’t let them know you’re that excited—gotta keep it cool. Meanwhile, I already know I’m buying everything they’ve got. Those moments remind me why I love this—finding something incredible and knowing it’s going to inspire someone else. But, of course, there are times when I have doubts. You can’t just buy everything you like—it’s still a business, and you have to be careful not to make mistakes.

I remember spending days debating over this Bugs Bunny embroidered wool. It felt like a small risk – I mean, who is going to make a custom Bugs Bunny suit – but I couldn’t get over how cool it was. I ended up buying some, and so far, it’s been a success. 

 

Building Strong Connections

The relationships I’ve built with suppliers over the years are what make the difference. When I first started, I barely knew anyone, and a lot of my early trips were hit or miss. On my first trip, I thought I could just walk to every supplier like I was in the Garment District in Manhattan. Nope. Turns out, you can't get anywhere without a car. The few suppliers I knew at the time were kind enough to actually leave work and drive me to my next meeting. 

It’s that willingness to help that’s allowed me to build my network. The fabric world in Italy is pretty tight-knit, and they’re all incredibly well-connected. What I’ve learned is that they’re willing to help each other out, and that’s how I’ve been able to meet more suppliers and grow my sourcing options. 

 

Curating for Our Customers

When it comes to choosing fabrics, my personal taste plays a big role, but I’m always thinking about our customers too—especially designers in film and theater, who need fabrics that fit a specific era. I’m constantly on the lookout for fabric no one else will have, and it’s exciting to know that these fabrics will inspire creativity in whoever buys them.

Over the years, I’ve grown to see fabrics from a completely different perspective. I can be in love with a fabric and fully appreciate its beauty, but that doesn’t always mean it’s right for the store or our customers. On the flip side, there are plenty of fabrics that I wouldn’t pick for my personal taste, but I know they’ll sell. It’s about seeing fabrics for what they are—some are incredible pieces of art, but not every piece is the right move for the business. My job is to balance that appreciation with practicality and bring in what’s going to work for our customers.

The Best Part

For me, the best part of the trip is the fabric itself. Every day feels like Christmas—there’s always something new to discover, and when you hit a streak of amazing fabrics, it’s a real rush. The relationships with suppliers make it even better, and of course, the food in Italy is unbeatable. These trips are a mix of hard work and pure enjoyment, and I always come back excited to share what I’ve found. Bringing these fabrics back to the store feels like giving everyone access to something special, and that’s what makes it all worth it.

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