Vellus Aureum was inspired by our Founder’s quest for excellence to seek the finest wool in the world. Exquisitely rare and fine in texture, Vellus Aureum is rooted in Ermenegildo Zegna’s heritage – representing the pinnacle of ZEGNA craft with meticulous attention to detail. We’re committed to certifying Vellus Aureum fibres as 100% traceable by the end of 2025. 
In 1963, history was made. Our Founder established the Ermenegildo Zegna Wool Trophy Awards in Australia – a prestigious prize created to support woolgrowers in their pursuit of the finest wool in the world. The finest wool fleece is collected, and Vellus Aureum is created. The name Vellus Aureum was inspired by the mythical story of the Golden Fleece, represented as a winged ram. It reflects the Founder's ambition and quest for the extraordinary. To date, the Vellus Aureum world record for a single wool fleece was reached in 2023 with a fineness of 9.4 microns. Today, our Founder’s quest for the extraordinary lives on.
Vintage photo of Ermenegildo Zegna, Founder of the ZEGNA brand.

OUR FOUNDER'S QUEST FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY

Ermenegildo Zegna's letters to the woolgrowers reached the vast plains of Australia, urging participants to seek out the softest, finest wool fibres. This quest, he emphasised, was about more than just wool; it was about building a legacy for the woolgrowers themselves. Our Founder's vision became the foundation of the Wool Awards, a cherished tradition celebrating extraordinary quality and craftsmanship.
Vellus Aureum wool by ZEGNA, a sustainable luxury fibre with a fineness of 13 microns.
Map of Australia, highlighting the production location of Vellus Aureum wool.
Sheep grazing on green pasture, source of Vellus Aureum wool.

HONOURING GREATNESS

THE WOOL AWARDS TROPHY

Since 1963, the Vellus Aureum Trophy has been awarded annually to the finest wool grower in the world. Each year, exquisite wool bales from Australia’s premier producers arrive at Il Lanificio, our wool mill, where they undergo meticulous evaluation.
Wool Awards Trophy from the Ermenegildo Zegna Archive.
Wool Awards Trophy from the Ermenegildo Zegna Archive.
A historical object from the Ermenegildo Zegna Archive.
A historical object from the Ermenegildo Zegna Archive.

WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD

Discover the key tools of wool evaluation from the 1960s that were pivotal in helping to find the finest fibres and determine the winning wool. These tools, embodying precision and expertise, shaped a world where extraordinary craftsmanship and quality were always within reach.
A historical object from the Ermenegildo Zegna Archive.
A historical object from the Ermenegildo Zegna Archive.
A historical object from the Ermenegildo Zegna Archive.
A historical object from the Ermenegildo Zegna Archive.
A FIBRE SO FINE, IT’S BARELY VISIBLE
Sample of ultra-fine Vellus Aureum wool fiber in glass tube, luxury material by ZEGNA.
Comparison of fiber thickness: Vellus Aureum vs cashmere, merino wool and mohair.
Vellus Aureum wool by ZEGNA, a sustainable luxury fibre with a fineness of 13 microns.
To date, the Vellus Aureum world record for a single wool fleece was reached in 2023 with a fineness of 9.4 microns.
Zegna’s journey from Australian wool to Italian craftsmanship.
Vellus Aureum Golden Fleece logo made in Italy.

VELLUS AUREUM COLLECTION

Explore the pinnacle of our wool in its purest form – showcased across our finest tailoring, outerwear, and knitwear for Winter 2025.
ZEGNA Vellus Aureum wool logo stitched inside jacket lining.
ZEGNA Torino style men's jacket in Vellus Aureum wool on mannequin.
Close-up of Torino style flap pockets on ZEGNA Vellus Aureum wool jacket.