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Prato is known from wool weaving, which has played an important role in the financial and social development of the entire Tuscany region since the Middle Ages.

The most significant event in the industrial development of Prato took place, during the second half of the 19th century when the process of regenerating wool out of used pieces of cloth became possible. As a result of this process of regenerating wool, even when mixed with virgin wool, it became possible to produce carded textiles of all types at competitive prices. These new products quickly conquered the world markets and enabled the textile industry in Prato to advance decisively and progressively over the years.

Prato is now considered the most important centre for wool in Europe with 9000 textile companies based there and 45,000 people included in the production of wool, textiles, knits and other fabrics. Putting technology into fashion might save the life of Prato's home-grown fabrics industry, currently meeting the challenge of new competition from Chinese companies and imports. Today, a company called Luminex has hit on the idea of weaving fibre-optics into fabric, so the wearer can really light up a room when they enter it.

The innovation can be used in many different applications from the most frivolous to the most useful, in a multitude of areas yet to be discovered.

From night clubs to the entertainment business to necessary and safety accessories, or whatever the imagination can create or the market requires.

Prato is the perfect place to weave together traditional Italian know-how with digital technology and come up with the next generation of cloth, what they are calling "smart fabric".

For more information visit

• Luminex spa