About Us

The Art of Artisanal Embroidery that Illuminates Haute Couture

Since 1967, we have been creating unique embroidery for haute couture, weaving together technique, vision and collaboration with the great fashion houses.

Our History

Passion and Vision for the Art of Embroidery

The story of Pino Grasso Ricami begins in Milan in 1967, in the heart of the creative ferment that made Italy a global reference for haute couture. From the very beginning, the atelier has distinguished itself for the quality of its artisanal embroidery and for its ability to dialogue with the greatest designers on the international scene.

Over the years, each creation has contributed to writing a page in fashion history: from runways to couture, from luxury prêt-à-porter to iconic pieces from fashion houses. The secret? A unique combination of technical expertise, love for detail and a spirit of continuous research.

The atelier’s archive, with over 16,000 samples, is the tangible sign of a vision that weaves together memory and innovation. Still today, each embroidery takes shape in expert hands, respecting a tradition that lives, grows and renews itself.

The Founder

Pino Grasso, the Artisan who Spoke to Fashion

Pino Grasso dedicated his life to embroidery, transforming it into a true art applied to haute couture. With intuition and mastery, he was able to reinterpret historical techniques in a contemporary key, becoming a reference point for the most prestigious Italian and international fashion houses. His visionary approach continues to inspire the work of the atelier.

Pino Grasso

Born in Milan in 1931, Pino Grasso discovered the tradition of embroidery by leaving his medical studies. That unexpected encounter with the world of broderie became for him a true life choice, marking the beginning of a journey destined to revolutionize artisanal embroidery for haute couture.

In the 1950s he approached the French haute couture environment, coming into contact with prominent personalities such as Alfred Gaydan and Alexandre and frequenting reference establishments such as Lecocq Riou (Seler) and Rech. He collaborated with historic suppliers of raw materials – Fried Freres for pearls and rhinestones, Montezir for chenilles, Montezin for needles and crochet, Mathieu for metallic threads, Chaleyer, Berton and Mauriche for trimmings, Au Ver à Soie for silk threads, Dupont and Beghe for varnishes and dyes – building a unique wealth of expertise and excellent materials.

At the Mesrine embroidery workshop he refined his taste for design, the selection and research of materials, perfecting complex processing techniques. He expanded his horizon with contacts in other historic embroidery workshops such as Metral, Lanel, Goby, Lisbeth and Vermont, up to his friendship with François Lesage, owner of one of the most important French embroidery houses.

In 1967 he opened his own workshop in Milan, which he managed personally, overseeing every phase of preparation and execution. From the atelier, later joined by his daughter Raffaella, passed the most iconic names in Italian and international fashion: Shubert, Fabiani, Ognibene Zendman, Sorelle Botti, Senes, Mosè, Rosandrè, Rina, Galitzine, Veneziani, Marucelli, Mila Schön, Valentino, Lancetti, Raffaella Curiel, Gianfranco Ferré, Gianni Versace, Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Gai Mattiolo, Bottega Veneta, Emilio Pucci, Genny, Cavalli, Etro, Prada, Graeme Black, Albino, Francesco Scognamiglio, Angelo Katsapis, Alessandro de Benedetti and many others. The collaboration with Valentino, in particular, continued for countless seasons and led Pino Grasso to create dozens of prêt-à-porter and haute couture pieces.

Intuition, professionalism, forward-looking vision and the pursuit of absolute perfection transformed his workshop into one of the most important centers of Italian fashion: not only for the most precious embroidery, but for the ability to propose innovative solutions, use unexpected materials and invent new possibilities. A journey also recognized by the Centre du Luxe et de la Création in Paris, which in 2010 awarded Pino Grasso the “Talent du Luxe et de la Création” Prize in the “Invention” category.

The New Course

Raffaella Grasso, Continuity and Innovation

Today the atelier continues its journey under the guidance of Raffaella Grasso, who has been able to carry forward her father’s legacy with sensitivity, rigor and innovative spirit. With a team composed mainly of women, Pino Grasso Ricami continues to collaborate with the most demanding brands in contemporary fashion, enhancing each creation with care, research and authenticity.