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.
A flock of sheep in a green field.
A historical object from the Ermenegildo Zegna archive.
HONOURING GREATNESS

THE WOOL AWARDS TROPHY

The Wool Awards showcase exceptional wool from regions in Australia. The enduring quality of this extraordinary natural fibre, with fibres averaging an exquisite fineness ranging from 12 to 13 microns, means that it truly represents the pinnacle of luxury. By supporting sustainable practices and maintaining the highest standards, ZEGNA is committed to certifying Vellus Aureum fibres as 100% traceable by the end of 2025.
Discover More
Vellus Aureum wool by ZEGNA, a sustainable luxury fibre with a fineness of 13 microns.
THE LEGEND OF VELLUS AUREUM

THE GOLDEN FLEECE

Vellus Aureum, meaning 'Golden Fleece', is a powerful symbol rooted in Greek mythology. In the ancient tale, the Golden Fleece embodied resilience, triumph and perfection. Taken from a winged ram, claiming it required unmatched courage and valour – the ultimate reward for those who dared to dream and push boundaries in pursuit of the extraordinary. The winged ram in our logo reflects ZEGNA’s ethos: blending tradition with innovation and ambition with achievement, as a tribute to those who redefine excellence.