Clerici Tessuto, a company based in Grandate, near Como, Italy, that specializes in the production of luxury fabrics for apparel, accessories, and home furnishings, is undergoing a period of leadership transition.
Sara Tessuto, a member of the fourth generation of the family that owns the company, has succeeded her father as chairwoman, and Stefano Bernasconi, the group’s former CEO, has returned to that position after about two years.
The renewal of the company’s leadership, guided by a philosophy of continuity, brings with it a new strategic vision and a new management style. The new business plan includes several initiatives, such as strengthening the sales structure to ensure a more widespread market presence. In addition, the company aims to streamline critical processes using AI to accelerate and improve the efficiency of business operations. Furthermore, it will focus on investments in specific industrial production assets to achieve technological upgrades that will foster more effective relationships with customers.
“I am very proud to be able to ensure the continuity of the family-led governance of this group, which today ranks among the most recognized leaders in the high-end textile manufacturing segment,” said Sara Tessuto, president, Clerici Tessuto.
“Personally, I’ve been actively involved in the company for several years now, and in 2022 I was able to help secure its inclusion in the registry of historic companies on the occasion of its centennial. I’m certain that the creative talent and unique expertise of our artisans can help us become key players in the world of high-end fashion,” added the entrepreneur.
“The development plan we have just finalized is based on an approach focused on continuity and
consolidating Clerici Tessuto’s market position and its business relationships with
players in the luxury sector who seek to offer high-quality Made in Italy fabrics that are strongly characterized by research, innovation, tradition, and creativity,” added Stefano Bernasconi, CEO, Clerici Tessuto.
The company controls a complete micro-textile supply chain that covers the entire finishing cycle for silk and other natural fibers and is able to combine the traditional craftsmanship and silk-making excellence of Como with continuous research, experimentation, and innovation in its products.
The company employs 200 people and operates from an impressive industrial complex consisting of three different sites covering a total area of over 10,000 sq. meters. It has an annual production of approximately three million meters of fabric and closed 2025 registering a turnover of approximately €40 million, about 10% less than in 2024, although the trend for 2026 is in line with the previous year. Exports account for about 60% of sales through a sales network that reaches 2,500 customers in 70 countries. France and the U.S. are the main markets, which the company manages directly.
Sustainability has been a constant focus for Clerici Tessuto for several years now. “We were among the first in the district to publish our sustainability report, starting in 2021. So for us, responsibility is part of the values that guide our daily activities. Despite this, we are continuing to evolve because, for example, we have achieved ZDHC Level 2 and are a signatory to the Fashion Pact,” commented Bernasconi.
The company is also involved in training initiatives, both through programs like work-study initiatives and by frequently hosting young people for internships. “Three or four years ago, we also established an in-house academy to develop the skills of young people who had designed this program,” the CEO continued.
“Our HR manager collaborated with local schools to design both a classroom-based curriculum and a six-month internship at the company, allowing young people to gain several weeks of experience within individual organizational units. At the end of these experiences, about ten to twelve people who were in the Academy stayed with the company longer,” concluded Bernasconi.