It all began in 1966 in Castiglione delle Stiviere, in the heart of the Mantua plain, when Nerino Grassi and his wife Erminia decided to start a company that would change the history of women’s underwear. Grassi, born in 1931 in Medole into a family of millers, was an entrepreneur with his sights set on the future. After working in the family mill, he realised that the era of mechanisation and new synthetic materials offered unprecedented opportunities. So he transformed the mill into a textile factory specialising in the production of women’s stockings and tights, and created Golden Lady, a name that evokes elegance, femininity and an international outlook.
A name, a vision
Since its inception, Golden Lady has stood out for its ability to combine craftsmanship and industry. On the one hand, there is the typically Italian attention to detail and quality of materials; on the other, a modern, technology-oriented approach to production. This combination has become the company’s hallmark, enabling it to quickly establish itself in international markets through a strategy of competitive pricing and widespread distribution in Europe and Eastern markets, while maintaining its strong identity as an Italian brand.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Golden Lady embarked on a path of growth that consolidated its position as one of the major players in the sector. In 1987, the group acquired the SiSi brand; in 1992, it was Omsa‘s turn, and in 2003, it acquired Filodoro and Philippe Matignon, brands that symbolise Italian elegance and style.
These operations expanded the product range and strengthened the brand’s international presence. In 2010, Golden Lady achieved an extraordinary milestone: it became the world’s largest hosiery manufacturer, with a 50% share of the Italian market and 20% of the US market.
Today, the group has thousands of employees and a production network that extends from Italy to Eastern Europe, while maintaining its headquarters in Castiglione delle Stiviere, a symbol of Italian manufacturing that is both deeply rooted and global.
Innovation and technology: hosiery as design
Behind Golden Lady’s success lies a constant pursuit of technological innovation. The company is a pioneer in developing innovative fabrics and in patenting seamless stockings that are softer and silkier, designed to ‘hug the leg like a tailor-made glove’. This approach has allowed Golden Lady to maintain its leadership position over time, evolving in line with women’s needs and fashion trends. Today, Golden Lady produces over 400 million pairs of stockings every year, an impressive number that would be enough for almost the entire European continent.
Responsibility and innovation
In recent years, the group has made significant investments in research and sustainability, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of its production processes and introduce recycled and low-impact materials. In addition to product innovation, Golden Lady has effectively and sensitively communicated its identity.
In 2018, the brand returned to television with an emotionally powerful advertising campaign – “with legs” – which celebrates the strength and grace of modern women. The following year, in 2019, it signed a partnership with La Scala Theatre in Milan, dressing the dancers of the prestigious institution: an encounter between art, movement and design that strengthens the brand’s connection to the world of culture.
A symbol of Made in Italy around the world
Today, Golden Lady is more than just a brand: it is a concrete example of Italian entrepreneurship that evolves without losing its authenticity.
Its presence around the world – in over 70 countries – proves that creativity, innovation and international vision can transform a local idea into a global phenomenon. For over half a century, the company has represented femininity, quality and tenacity in Italian manufacturing, becoming part of the daily lives of millions of people.
Not bad for a company that started out in a mill: today, with its stockings, Golden Lady has truly put the world at its feet.
Discover other outstanding Italian companies in the hosiery industry.