New biography traces Luisa Spagnoli's rise from confectioner to fashion pioneer
"Luisa," a biographical work by Paola Jacobbi and published by Sonzogno, explores the life of Luisa Spagnoli (née Sergentini, 1877–1935), the visionary behind Perugina chocolates and the Luisa Spagnoli fashion label. The book was introduced at Palazzo Verbania in Luino, with support from her great-grandchildren, Nicoletta and Aldo Spagnoli. In 1909, she began her journey by revitalizing a grocery store in Perugia alongside her husband. Spagnoli created the Bacio Perugina chocolate in 1922 and was a trailblazer in corporate welfare, establishing a modern nursery and launching company stores. Following her passing in 1935, her son Mario further developed the business. Currently, women represent 76% of the workforce, and welfare initiatives are still in place. The 320-page narrative captures her remarkable story.
Key facts
- Book titled "Luisa" by Paola Jacobbi, published by Sonzogno
- Luisa Spagnoli born in 1877 in Perugia, died in 1935 at age 58
- Co-founded Perugina chocolates in 1909 from a grocery store
- Invented Bacio Perugina chocolate in 1922, originally called 'Cazzotto'
- Renamed by partner Giovanni Buitoni
- Founded on-site nursery at Fontivegge factory, considered most advanced in Europe
- Started angora wool fashion line in 1928 in Santa Lucia district
- Celebrity clients included Sofia Loren, Anna Magnani, Esther Williams
- Son Mario opened first store in Perugia in 1940
- Created 'Città dell'Angora' with comprehensive worker amenities
- Brand sold through Saks and collaborated with Schiaparelli and Lanvin Sport
- Today 76% of Luisa Spagnoli employees are women
- Company provides nursery reimbursement and free wellness-menu meals
- Book presented at Palazzo Verbania in Luino
- Supported by great-grandchildren Nicoletta Spagnoli and Aldo Spagnoli
- 320 pages with blue cover
Entities
Artists
- Luisa Spagnoli
- Annibale Spagnoli
- Giovanni Buitoni
- Mario Spagnoli
- Nicoletta Spagnoli
- Aldo Spagnoli
- Paola Jacobbi
- Sofia Loren
- Anna Magnani
- Esther Williams
- Coco Chanel
- Marta Melini
Institutions
- Perugina
- Luisa Spagnoli
- Sonzogno
- Partecipazioni Mediterranee Srl
- Saks
- Schiaparelli
- Lanvin Sport
- Artribune
- Amazon
Locations
- Perugia
- Italy
- Fontivegge
- Santa Lucia
- Luino
- Palazzo Verbania
- Bologna
- Valencia