A small worm is the undisputed potentate of the fabric that has become synonymous with luxury neckwear, everywhere. Silkworm breeding was introduced into Italy from the Byzantines in the 10th century. A century later, silk weaving began. By the 13th century, the Byzantine and Moslem designs were replaced by the famous silk designs of Lucca. At that time, silk production was an apprenticed trade under the control of family-run guilds. Workers who betrayed family secrets were likely to have their right hands amputated, or be executed. Eventually, these restrictions dampened free artistic development and stylistic evolution, and in the 18th century the corporations were dissolved - leading to a renaissance in silk design, manufacturing, and aesthetics. All the while, the Lake Como region was quietly evolving into the center of silk production. Como introduced one innovation after another, and became a mecca for art that translated into magnificent silk designs - making this exquisite region the center of the "Made in Italy" silk tradition.