Today a room isn't complete without window treatments, but at one point in time drapery textiles were much more expensive to produce, and curtains were a sign of wealth and privilege. Thankfully today these fabrics are much more affordable and drapes not only ensure privacy, but add beautiful character to a space.
Busto Arsizio is part of the province of Varese, situated just 34 kilometers north of Milan - the fashion capital of the world. Since the 13th century, Busto Arsizio has been a famous center of European textile production, and neither feudalization nor the plague in 1630 slowed the growth of this prosperous industry. The town is also known for being the site of the first free radio channel in northern Italy after the advent of fascism. On April 25, 1945, the Italian resistance movement took over Busto Arsizio and the city made history as an emblem of a brighter future.
Today Busto Arsizio is a popular tourist destination celebrated for its many beautiful old buildings and churches, including the Shrine of Santa Maria di Piazza, which is considered to be the most remarkable remaining building of the Renaissance period. Among the other sites that have drawn visitors to Busto Arsizio is the Museum of Textiles and Industry which highlights the region's long history of textile production and innovation. The exhibits feature old spinning, and weaving machinery and traces how the city developed from a small agricultural village to an industrial hub of manufacturing and commerce within a period of just a few decades. It is housed in the converted Ottolini Cotton Mill - a structure that was built in 1857.
Mario Cavelli is an important member of Italy's modern textile industry. Founded in 1933, the company specializes in curtains, drapery, and upholstery fabric. They are also one of the founders of world-renowned Propostefair which is an annual showcase of the very best textile manufacturers in Europe. Inspired by the natural softness and lightness of excellent raw materials, Mario Cavelli combines durability with elegance and beautiful drape. They produce all of their fabrics from start to finish in-house at their large, automated warehouse facility. Their factory houses high-end weaving looms, and wings dedicated to dye-works, embroidery, and printing machines.
Mario Cavelli produces fine drapery and upholstery fabrics that are inspired by traditional designs, but produced with innovative methods and raw materials. Their unique approach is typified by their most famous product, a curtain material made from real 24 karat gold. The fabric is constructed from 100% polyester chain woven with gold fibers and was designed, manufactured, and finished completely in-house. Mario Cavelli's development of new collections stems from their continuous search for innovative materials and processes combined with inspiration from the past. They carefully study archives of antique textiles, which are then reinterpreted with a modern sensibility and contemporary materials to create truly unique fabrics ideal for interior design.