The Brno Coat was created on the occasion of the 130th anniversary of the birth of functionalist architect Bohuslav Fuchs, whose work shaped the face of modern Brno. Its design is visually inspired by Fuchs’ Pavilion of the City of Brno, where architectural purism is playfully disrupted by decorative details such as the spiral staircase that brings a special dynamism to the building.
This coat is more than a garment — it is a reflection on the famous functionalist maxim “form follows function”. In today’s world of fashion, dominated by overproduction, fleeting trends, and the exploitation of natural and human resources, the Brno Coat seeks to follow new functions: respect for the origin of materials, the conditions of their production, and consideration of their afterlife once the garment has served its wearer.
The coat is made of 99% biodegradable materials. Its essential fabric is 100% virgin wool from the Portuguese Burel Factory, a company that continues the centuries-old wool tradition of the Serra da Estrela mountains using 19th-century machinery. The shepherds they work with graze their sheep freely on high mountain plateaus, where the delicate vegetation makes the wool softer and finer in quality. The lining is crafted from certified ENKA® Viscose or Bemberg™ fibres by Gianni Crespi Foderami in Italy, while certified biodegradable cotton interlinings, cotton threads and small components complete the piece. The only non-biodegradable elements are the sustainably produced buttons from the Lithuanian brand FM Buttons.
Every coat is tailored to order in the Brno atelier of Klára Židková, available in both women’s and men’s fits. Customers may choose from a wide selection of colours offered by Burel Factory and order their preferred size.
The Brno Coat is a unisex garment, designed to last for many years. You can extend its life significantly with gentle handling and regular care. Once the coat has served its purpose, you may pass it on. When its lifecycle is fully complete, please remove the buttons — they may be recycled, or better yet, reused to repair other garments, because of their beauty.
The development of the Brno Coat prototype was supported by the Statutory City of Brno through the FUCHS 130 grant programme.
Brno Coat: biodegradable design inspired by architect Bohuslav Fuchs
Brno Coat is unisex garment made-to-order. it is available in both women’s and men’s fits. customers may choose from a wide selection of colours offered by Burel Factory and order their preferred size. please contact us by email (kl.zidkova@gmail.com) to place your order.