Burel is a traditional wool product made for centuries by the residents of Serra da Estrela. Typically, the fabric is a bland natural beige or gray color, and not particularly soft against the skin. The fabric is made from a unique process of washing the wool, spinning the wool and weaving it into fabric. It then gets pounded and scalded with very hot water. The result is a thick, compact and resistant material. Burel is practical and durable, and keeps shepherds warm on cold mountain nights.
Yet, in modern times, the designer runways of Milan, Paris and Lisbon are not clamoring for shepherd cloth fashions. So, it’s no surprise that factories manufacturing this product have virtually become extinct.
But wait! The entrepreneurial owners of Casa das Penhas Douradas, Isabel Dias da Costa and João Tomás, have come up with a solution to preserve this traditional fabric: dye the fabric in bold colors, and add a heavy dose of innovative design. Voilá, the Burel Factory is reborn!
The new product line is a vibrant spectrum of 24 colors, from lilac and bordeaux to pumpkin and hot ash. Various types of stitching techniques create unique textures for modern lifestyles. Given its durability, the reinvented fabric is perfect for a multitude of products for the modern home.
Another innovative concept for this fabric is as a wall covering. Its texture adds a new dimension to walls, and the dense woolen fabric is durable and easy to clean. Color combinations and techniques can be customized to individual needs. In fact, Burel Factory recently installed wall coverings in the new Mircrosoft offices in Lisbon.
Other products being produced at the Burel Factory include computer folders, backpacks, necklaces, belts, toys, blankets and pillows. They are actively partnering with fashion designers, artists and stylists to create unique and original pieces.
You can find Burel products at the Loja da Burel in Lisbon and Porto in the Chiado District of Lisbon, and of course, at the Casa das Penhas Douradas hotel. For more information, visit the Burel Factory website.
Burel Factory
Penhas Douradas
Manteigas
Email: burelmanteigas@burelfactory.com
Loja da Burel – Lisbon
Rua Serpa Pinto, 17 A
Chiado
Loja da Burel – Porto
Rua Mouzinho da Silveira, 83