Introduction to passementerie in Turin

The Antica Fabbrica Passamanerie Massia Vittorio is the oldest of its kind in Europe, the company was founded by the Massia family around two centuries ago. This unique visit to their workshop and archives offers a special opportunity to learn everything about trimmings. The tour starts with an overview of the fascinating world of passementerie – weavings, gimps, frogs, fringes, tassels and the whole range of small, precious accessories used for centuries for expressing distinction – and with the discovery of the historical Massia creations. The tour includes a live demonstration of the artisans at work on the mechanical manual looms that are still in everyday use.