IST PLATINUMWOOL™: The Secret Revolution of Wool
Japanese innovation opens new horizons for luxury fashion: advanced technological processes reinvent Merino wool fiber into an extraordinary natural yarn.
Thanks to the partnership with CM Tessuti, the Japanese technology of IST Corporation meets Italian craftsmanship excellence, resulting in two exclusive collections showcased at Milano Unica. In a sector where innovation is rare, a real breakthrough is announced: IST PLATINUMWOOL™.
IST Corporation, a pioneering Japanese company, globally premieres a new patented natural fiber, an evolution of Merino wool. This fiber is the result of cutting-edge technology that redefines the standards of quality and premium performance in the luxury textiles world. IST PLATINUMWOOL™ marks a qualitative turning point in the world of natural fibers: this Japanese innovation, certified by the RWS (Responsible Wool Standard), boasts an extreme fineness of 14.5 microns, giving it exceptional properties. Not only does it retain the intrinsic benefits of wool, but it significantly amplifies them. It also stands out for its superior luster and tactility, while its extraordinary softness is complemented by a high resistance to pilling. The most appreciated qualities of traditional wool are enhanced: exceptional wrinkle resistance, superior odor-neutralizing ability, and unprecedented freshness to the touch.
Its rich drape and surprising versatility make IST PLATINUMWOOL™ ideal for multiple applications, from knitwear to shirting, to the most elegant outerwear. This high-quality fiber offers a new sensory experience, opening up new creative horizons in luxury textiles and offering designers a versatile material that combines superior performance with refined aesthetics.
The innovative wool fiber is the foundation of two exclusive collections, resulting from a strategic partnership between IST Corporation and Biella's CM Tessuti. This technical and creative alliance, which blends Japanese ingenuity with Italian craftsmanship excellence, debuts at Milano Unica, presenting fabrics that harmoniously merge two worlds, creating a unique and distinctive textile language.
The Japan-made line captures the essence of Japanese minimalism with minimalist designs and clean lines, while the Italy-made collection enhances Italian fashion tradition, with particular attention to high-end knitwear. Both proposals fully exploit the extraordinary qualities of IST PLATINUMWOOL™, offering designers a range of new creative possibilities in the luxury textile world.
IST PLATINUMWOOL™ is the result of decades of innovation, rooted in the extraordinary career of founder Isamu Sakane. Before founding IST Corporation in 1983, Isamu Sakane played a key role in developing materials that revolutionized the composite materials industry, such as Teflon's non-stick coating and the pioneering waterproof fabric system.
In recent years, IST has embarked on a new challenge: applying its technological expertise to the world of natural fibers. This vision, conceived by Isamu Sakane as the culmination of his career, is now carried forward by his daughter Toshiko, the company's current CEO. Under Toshiko's leadership, IST acquired a textile plant in Hashima, Japan, an area renowned for wool fabrics, creating a real textile division to integrate its advanced technology capabilities with organic fibers.
“With IST PLATINUMWOOL™, we have realized my father's dream of 'making the seemingly impossible possible,'” says Toshiko Sakane, CEO of IST Corporation. “This innovation is not only a technological triumph, but it represents our vision of a future where luxury, excellence, and sustainability coexist harmoniously. We are redefining industry standards, demonstrating that it is possible to create a product of exceptional quality that respects the environment without compromise. IST PLATINUMWOOL™ is not just a new material; it is the beginning of a new era in luxury textiles.”
“The IST PLATINUMWOOL™ project is like an innovative start-up born from the union of two established realities,” comment Marco and Christian Bozzonetti Rivera, owners of CM Tessuti. “In our sector, innovations of this magnitude are extremely rare. We are creating a unique synergy that goes beyond geographical and cultural distances, combining Japanese precision with Italian creativity. It is an exciting adventure that promises to bring benefits to the entire supply chain.”
