While Tuscany is perhaps best known for its rich soil and vibrant agricultural industry, (think olives, sunflowers, and of course, grapes) the region is host to a diverse range of industries. Florence is famous for its leather and footwear, Pistoia is a world-renowned center of hot-house plant cultivation, Cascina produces exquisite wooden furniture, and Prato is known for its ceramics and textiles. Italy as a whole boasts one of the most established fashion and textile industries in the world, and nowhere is that identity more evident than in Prato. Today it is home to a beautiful Textile Museum, and the region's connection with textile trade and production dates back to ancient times.Archaeological findings have shown that the area today known as Prato has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, and even during this early stage, it was a central producer of wool and textiles. During the Middle Ages, the textile industry continued to flourish as settlers developed early production machines. This growing sector was the main contributing factor in Prato's population explosion during the 11th and 12th century. In the 19th century, after the unification of Italy, Prato became a worldwide center of the textile industry, and the population more than tripled from 1901 to 2001 as people flooded to the city to work in the booming fabric sector. Founded in 1969, Efilan embodies Prato's rich textile history. They produce a range of luxury and decorative fabrics for use in women's apparel. Rather than focusing on one specific type of fiber or textile, Efilan has embraced a distinct and inspired approach to design and production that guides the creation of a rich variety of fabrics ranging from jacquard to taffeta. Efilan is known for their luxurious silk-type fabrics made from an innovative blend of natural and synthetic fibers. They also create beautiful cashmere and camel hair textiles for use in cool weather apparel and fashion accessories. At their beautiful facility in Prato, Efilan's team of expert designers and weavers produce its fabrics from start to finish in-house. They release seasonal collections inspired by current trends and the natural beauty of the finest raw materials. A large part of Efilan's efforts are devoted not only to producing incredible fabrics but to studying them. A team of researchers and creative minds spends their days at the Efilan offices analyzing fashion trends, researching the qualities and benefits of raw and synthetic materials, and developing new types and structures of textiles. The company's commitment to thoughtful investigation and innovation is infused into all aspects of their work and this has made some of the most discerning and respected designers in the world loyal Efilan clients for years and years.