The founding vision
Annapurna S.p.A. was founded in Tuscany in 1978, establishing itself as a reference in fine Italian knitwear.
A few years later, the company created the brand Aida Barni, with the specific purpose of offering garments made exclusively from the finest pure cashmere.
Its founder, Aida Barni, imagined collections for men and women who shared her outlook: independent, cultivated, and inspired by a cultural sensibility shaped by diverse influences, including the world of contemporary art.
A view of the company.
From the beginning, she could rely on the expertise of her husband, Pier Luigi Galli, one of the world’s leading experts on spun yarns.
Her vision, combined with his technical insight, laid the foundation of what Aida Barni still represents today: a dialogue between design and technique, beauty and discipline.
In 1986, Pier Luigi Galli, together with the German designer Claus A. Froh, published the landmark book Cashmere.
Translated into Italian, French, German, English, and Japanese, the book explores the history and full process of this prestigious fibre, becoming an international reference for technical schools, buyers, and specialized professionals.
The first edition was released in 1986, followed by two updated editions that expanded the research to include new subjects such as shahtoosh and other rare fibres.
Over the years, the company has continued to deepen its knowledge of cashmere, tracing the historical origins of the fibre from Tibet and Nepal to Mongolia.
Today, most of the world’s finest cashmere comes from China, particularly Inner Mongolia, where the climate and natural environment produce fibres of exceptional fineness and length.
True quality begins with the yarn.
From the very beginning, guided by the technical knowledge of Pier Luigi Galli, Aida Barni adopted the use of two-ply cashmere: two threads twisted together to create a single, stronger and more balanced strand.
At the time, this choice went against the prevailing British tradition of using single yarns, yet it proved visionary. What was once a countercurrent decision has since become a standard of quality in fine knitwear.
A stitch made with two-ply yarn is smooth, even, and subtly lustrous. It resists deformation, maintains its softness, and reveals the precision of the spinning process. This construction ensures elasticity, compactness, and resistance to wear, allowing garments to maintain their shape and texture over time.
Made in Italy: A Continuous Practice
Every Aida Barni piece is designed and produced entirely in Italy.
Here, each garment is conceived, designed, and produced with meticulous attention to detail. From the first sketch to the selection of fibres and yarns, from colour dyeing to knitting and finishing, every stage takes place entirely in Italy.
Made in Italy, for Aida Barni, means more than origin: it represents an ethical and transparent production process, free from exploitation, and a deep respect for people and materials.