| The secret of Sferra's enduring | | | | the East Coast from Maine to Palm Beach, |
| reputation lies in its insistence on the | | | | and traveled regularly to sell his |
| finest materials. Everything begins with | | | | goods. |
| first-quality fibers. Using only the | | | | Recognizing the growing demand for |
| natural fibers of linen, textile masters | | | | delicate hand embroideries, Gennaro |
| apply state-of-the art technology to | | | | decided to take the next step in |
| spin, dye and finish each individual | | | | building his business. In 1905, he |
| yarn to the precise specifications and | | | | opened Factory 5007 San Severo, located |
| stringent standards required to create | | | | in the shadow of the Rialto Bridge in |
| fabrics of distinction. Sferra Fine | | | | Venice. Twice a year, Gennaro returned |
| Linens have enlivened society homes, | | | | to his homeland by steamer to create a |
| graced the tables at White House state | | | | new collection of the most luxurious |
| dinners, and been selected for use in | | | | linens, handmade laces, and embroideries |
| the sleeping quarters at the Vatican. | | | | affluent America had ever seen. |
| Sferra began as a purveyor of fine | | | | A generation later, in the 1940s and |
| Italian lace in 1891. As the | | | | 1950s, Gennaro's two sons, Enrico and |
| turn-of-the-century approached, the | | | | Albert, expanded their father's |
| company's industrious founder, Gennaro | | | | collection to include the most luxurious |
| Sferra, left Italy for the United States | | | | European linens of the day-Ireland's |
| in hopes of attracting a market for his | | | | reknowned double damask, France's |
| intricate Venetian lace cuffs and | | | | refined Alencon Laces, and the beautiful |
| collars. He found his clientele in the | | | | embroideries from Belgium and |
| well-heeled guests who frequented the | | | | Switzerland. For those in the know, |
| grand seaside resorts that once dotted | | | | sferra became a household name. |