BACK IN BLACK
Native to our home of Switzerland, Blacknose sheep have a special place in our hearts. Largely because they are so darn cute – nicknamed the “Cutest Sheep in the World” thanks to their iconic black marking and white coats. Their stunning appearance inspired us to design our original collection of Blacknose sneakers in 2019, and now this expanded line of black and white products. Keeping with our sustainability mission, we wanted to use the leftover wool from these sheep that is usually burned because it is too coarse, but we first had to figure out how to process it.
Enter our partners at the Burel factory in Portugal which processes the wool for our sneakers. Using their traditional milling methods that have been passed on from generation to generation, they devised a way to turn our coarse wool into the strong yet comfortable material that makes up these hats, bags and household items that are the perfect mix of modern design and traditional craftsmanship.
Learn more about our Blacknose Collection partnership here.
Swiss WoolHarvested in Switzerland by local shepherds, the wool of the Valais Blacknose is not only special due to its downy, white color. This iconic fiber also has a pronounced crimp that makes it extremely durable—so it’s perfect for regular-use products like hats, bags and furniture. It also has all of wool’s amazing attributes, including its natural wicking, high breathability, and sustainability properties. |
Made in PortugalSheep and wool fabrication have a centuries’ old history in central Portugal. But this tradition was almost lost when synthetic fabric replaced many natural fibers. Fortunately, the Burel factory in Manteigas was saved in recent years and with it the traditional manufacturing methods and equipment that create some of the world’s best fabrics. Using their unmatched know-how, these Burel craftspeople took wool that is so coarse that it usually burned, and created a process to turn it into the material in our Blacknose Collection. |
Back in BlackBlack and white. Colors don’t get any more classic these two, making their pairing so dramatic whether it be in the cutest sheep in the world or in this collection of hats, bags and housewares. Easily combined with any wardrobe or décor, bringing together dark and light creates a timeless look that is bold yet timeless. |