Wrap star: the 30-step design process behind a Burberry cashmere scarf
Made in Scotland, the British label's signature cashmere check scarves are crafted using a multi-step manufacturing method
As brands have emerged from the first global lockdown, two design tenets have appeared paramount: luxury labels must innovate and lead within today’s digital landscape, designing products that are trend-surpassing and expertly crafted.
This duality in design is evident at Burberry, which embraces artisanal craft and digital technology with equal energy. Take the boundary-breaking British label’s S/S 2021 show back in September, which became the fashion event presented live on global gaming site Twitch. Through the channel's Stream Squad functionality, users were able to view the British label’s outdoors showcase from multiple perspectives and interact with each other using Twitch’s chat function. The history of Burberry is also intrinsically linked to craftsmanship – its founder Thomas Burberry invented the waterpoof fabric gabardine in 1879, which clothed polar explorers in the early 20th century.
The brand counts not only protective outerwear as part of its design DNA but also its coveted check scarf. In celebration of this warming style symbol, the label has released a series of behind the scenes shots celebrating the 30-step design process behind the style. Burberry's cashmere scarves are created in a 200-year old mill in the Scottish countryside, and require multiple manufacturing steps, including a six hour dyeing process to ensure a vivid colour, a teasing process on carding machines that separates individual cashmere strands, and an intricate weaving process on looms which are programmed for each pattern change. A washing process which removes leftover oil from the weaving process is carried out using local water from the River Lossie, connecting Burberry’s warming wares inherently to the great outdoors.
The wider natural world is also of great importance to the British label. To drive change in the cashmere industry, Burberry partners with organisations including the Sustainable Fibre Alliance as they work to restore grasslands, promote animal welfare and support a decent living for cashmere goat herders. The Burberry Foundation also works with NGO partners to build a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive cashmere supply chain for the future.
INFORMATION
burberry.com
Wallpaper* Newsletter + Free Download
For a free digital copy of August Wallpaper*, celebrating Creative America, sign up today to receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories
-
‘Hedonistic and avant-garde’: Rabanne’s Julian Dossena on the legacy of the chainmail 1969 bag
Paco Rabanne’s 1969 chainmail handbag encapsulates the late designer’s futuristic, space-age style. Current creative director Julien Dossena tells Wallpaper* about the bag’s particular pleasures
By Jack Moss Published
-
Postcard from Paris: Olympic fever takes over the streets
On the eve of the opening ceremony of Paris 2024, our correspondent shares her views from the streets of the capital about how the event is impacting the urban landscape.
By Minako Norimatsu Published
-
The Mercury Prize nominees for 2024 have been revealed
Charli XCX, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons are amongst this year's nominees
By Charlotte Gunn Published
-
The moments fashion met art at the 60th Venice Biennale
The best fashion moments at the 2024 Venice Biennale, with happenings from Dior, Golden Goose, Balenciaga, Burberry and more
By Jack Moss Published
-
A/W 2024 beauty moments from the runways, as selected by Wallpaper*
We recap stand-out A/W 2024 beauty moments from the runways, including JW Anderson, Chanel, Hermès, and more
By Hannah Tindle Published
-
London Fashion Week A/W 2024: JW Anderson to Burberry
The very best of London Fashion Week A/W 2024, from nosy neighbours at JW Anderson to Daniel Lee’s celebration of the great outdoors at Burberry
By Jack Moss Last updated
-
In fashion: the best of S/S 2024 in 12 transporting looks and accessories
The looks and objects that encapsulate S/S 2024’s mood of escape and discovery, from crystal-studded sunglasses to behemothic beach bags
By Jack Moss Published
-
Burberry turns Harrods blue in blockbuster takeover of the London department store
Daniel Lee’s signature shade of Burberry ‘Knight Blue’ lights up Harrods’ exterior, while an immersive space inside pays homage to the British house’s history of outdoor exploration
By Tianna Williams Published
-
Colourful cashmere to brighten even the greyest of winter days
Elevate your mood – and your wardrobe – with our pick of colourful cashmere sweaters, scarves, hats and more, perfect gifts for men and women
By Jack Moss Published
-
This season’s most dramatic runway sets, from curtains of slime to disco balls
Revisit the transporting runway sets of S/S 2024 fashion month, which spanned dystopian herbariums, destroyed disco balls and artwork-adorned catwalks
By Jack Moss Published
-
Finest fashion moments of London Frieze Week 2023
The best fashion moments of London Frieze Week 2023, from stylish new sponsors to happenings from Gucci, Thom Browne, Burberry and more
By Jack Moss Published