In 1891, Gennaro Sferra set the highest standard for luxury linens when he opened his SFERRA Fine Linens operation in Venice, Italy. His intricate Venetian lace cuffs and collars were prized and coveted, and as the turn of the century approached, Gennaro expanded his market to the United States. Traveling regularly in the U.S., he found his ideal clientele in the grand seaside resorts that dotted the East Coast from Maine to Palm Beach.
Recognizing the growing demand for delicate hand embroideries, Gennaro decided to take the next steps in building his business. In 1905, he opened Factory 5007 San Severo, located in the shadow of the Rialto Bridge in Venice. And in 1912, Gennaro relocated his family to a shop on Fifth Avenue, returning to his homeland twice each year by steamer to create a new collection of the most luxurious linens, handmade laces and embroideries in the world. Gennaro Sferra built a reputation on these linens—and his once small company experienced international growth.
A generation later, Gennaro’s two sons, Enrico and Albert, further expanded their father’s collection to include the most luxurious European linens of the day–renowned double damask from Ireland, Alençon laces from France, and beautiful embroideries from Belgium and Switzerland. SFERRA began providing exquisite bedding, luxurious bath linens and fine table linens to choice homes and hotels alike.
SFERRA changed hands in 1977. With keen business savvy, Paul J. Hooker purchased the company from the Sferra family. Under Paul’s passionate stewardship and with the aid of great advancements in design and production technologies, SFERRA has experienced explosive growth in recent decades. Adding luxury bed linens to our offerings in 1978, Paul's vision and focus quickly took SFERRA to the top as global markets have emerged.
Today, SFERRA has secured their position as a leader in the luxury linens industry. The secret of SFERRA’s enduring reputation is simple: only the finest materials are used in creating anything that carries the SFERRA name. And that reputation has followed their linens into the White House, the Vatican and homes of many celebrities. Their passion for quality is unwavering, and their customers know that they will never stop pursuing the absolute best.
