FAQ

Burel wool adds a special touch of character unique to Maragold and has become a distinction of the brand for its texture, durability, rich history.

It's one of those things you discover and need to find a way to use. I first came across this woven wool fabric on a trip to Portugal in 2016, two years before Maragold would be brought to life.

Burel comes from a small factory that went bankrupt due to the rise of synthetic materials in the 60’s and was only recently revived in the early 2000’s. The revival has helped preserve an ancestral, artisan heritage in the region and restored jobs to the remote, mountainous area. With a great respect for nature, the factory has very high sustainability standards, zero waste policy and works with local shepherds whose sheep graze in the mountains, are treated well and are sheared manually. It's story is just as rich as it is to the touch and that's what I love about it.

It's a versatile, easy-care wool fabric that originates as protection from the elements for shepherds in the mountains. It repels dirt, has thermal and water repellent properties, elastic memory and is fire and abrasion resistant making it an extremely durable material - hence great for creating everyday accessories and bags.

Maragold Designs is honored to showcase the heritage of this incredible textile and advocate for the re-growth of this region's industry.

I always have and always will have an obsession with quality and truly believe that the enduring beauty and functionality of my products is centered around what they're made with and who they're made by.

Due to the organic nature of both leather and wool, each piece is innately unique. Both materials are very durable and meant to last as they are handmade in small factories where artisan skills are passed down through generations.

Your leather and wool pieces will age as you wear them creating beautiful character unique to how you use and love your Maragold Designs. The natural aging process of vegetable tanned leather is one of its highly sought after qualities and factors into its timeless appeal.

Given the hand made nature of both the materials and the products themselves, no two pieces will look exactly the same and natural variation may occur from the images you see here. Please find some helpful care instructions below to keep your piece looking beautiful and aging gracefully!

Each piece is thoughtfully designed and handmade in my studio in London. I utilize both hand-stitching and machine-stitching techniques to bring my designs to life using the best quality leathers, Burel wool, and occasionally, other carefully sourced textiles such as linen and silk. Leather card holders, clutches, key accessories and bags are all hand-stitched and take many hours to complete, therefore resulting in a unique piece made especially for you.

Leather is an organic material that should be cared for and looked after over time. Vegetable tanned leather, which is used for a majority of Maragold pieces, only gets better with time. It will develop a beautiful patina and personality over time unique to how you use your piece. If your leather wallet, clutch or bag gets scratched, don't fret as the surface of the leather will continue evolving through use and exposure to elements like the oils from your skin, sunlight, heat and humidity. Patina is one of the most highly regarded characteristics of vegetable tanned leathers.

It is recommended to use a leather conditioner on vegetable tanned leather every 4-6 months to keep the leather looking its best and wearing evenly. Apply with a soft, dry, clean cloth and please test a small, inconspicuous area before applying all over. Leather conditioner should not be applied to nubuck or distressed leathers.

It is best to avoid excessive direct sunlight, exposure to rain and oil-based substances as these can stain the leather. Please arrange for professional cleaning for stubborn stains.

You can simply use a lint roller to remove any unwanted dust or dry stains from the surface of the wool. For other staining, use a damp cloth to wipe the wool clean as water will not damage it. Please bear in mind that water will stain vegetable tanned leather so refrain from getting any leather details wet.