Burel Factory Debuts Woolclopedia Fashion Line

Burel Factory, the reimagined wool weaving company utilizing traditional production methods to create contemporary products, introduces a new fashion line: Woolclopedia. It is a bold unisex collection 100% sustainable and 100% made in Portugal.

In centuries past, the thick woolen material known as burel was woven by shepherds in the Serra da Estrela mountains in central Portugal for use as capes and coats. It is a heavy, durable, weather resistant fabric ideal for outdoor environments. However, as fashion progressed and fabric production modernized, the old burel factories closed and were lost to the past, until….

…in 2010, mountain enthusiasts João Tomás and Isabel Costa discovered an abandoned burel factory in the mountain village of Manteigas. With a new-found passion to keep a traditional Portuguese industry alive, aligning with their entrepreneurial spirit and immense creativity, they refurbished the factory…including the original 19^th century weaving machines….and set out to create home upholstery, blankets, wallcoverings as well as bags, luggage, slippers, caps and more.

Expanding on their success, and wanting to create more contemporary products, Isabel built a design team to develop a clothing line for the 21^st century by recruiting Filipa Homem (Consultant Creative Director & Head of Fashion Design), Mafalda Fialho (Fashion Designer), Sara Lamúrias (Accessories Designer) and José Luís Pinheiro (factory master).

Together, they tested, rejected and retested many fabric weaves and patterns using the traditional techniques. The final approved fabrics are the basis for the Woolclopedia collection. For the debut line, there are 50 exclusive products (with only 100 units made of each). These contemporary clothes are comfortable and light, and meant to last.