The fabrics of Backhausen’s ‘Made in Austria’ heritage

730 565 Hamish Kilburn
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The fabrics of Backhausen’s ‘Made in Austria’ heritage

With its DNA firmly rooted in Austrian heritage, Backhausen’s quality and style of fabrics is a result of the brand’s authentic craftsmanship. The company’s Maria Florencia Caruso shares its narrative…

Austria, a place known as the home of music, culture, the waltz, ski resorts, palaces, outstanding museums and dramatic landscapes.

However, the country’s history of craftsmanship, attention to detail, precision, art and design is often overlooked. Products ‘Made in Austria’ tend to combine luxury with dependability – redefining, quality, reliability, sustainability, heritage and design.

Backhausen is an Austrian-heritage manufacturing company specialising in premium quality fabrics using natural fibres. The company’s mill is located in the Waldviertel region – more specifically in Hoheneich, which is located in lower Austria and literally translates as the “forest district”. In addition to its breathtaking nature, the Waldviertel has a rich history, culture and know-how in weaving textiles.

The factory, which is located in between rolling mountains and hills in Austria

Image Caption: Backhausen’s factory is located in Waldviertel region, and sits inbetween rolling hills in the countryside | Image credit: Backhausen

“Backhausen’s designs are inspired by an extensive archive developed throughout its 171-year history.”

The brand’s products are designed, manufactured and packaged in Austria. At Backhausen, ‘Made in Austria’ is exemplified through the art of weaving and craftsmanship. The key to creating every woven fabric at Backhausen is its committed team, which uses skills and techniques passed from generation to generation. Backhausen’s expertise is to manufacture elaborate, intricate and diverse fabrics on state-of-the-art Jacquard looms, constructed using infinite design concepts. Jacquard fabrics distinctively incorporate complex patterns and colours into their weave, can feature a raised, luxurious brocade motif and are often reversible.

Furthermore, Backhausen’s designs are inspired by an extensive archive developed throughout its 171-year history, in collaboration with acclaimed local architects, artists and designers. The archive is a treasure trove of daily inspiration for Backhausen’s designs and is part of Austria’s cultural history. The patterns and designs that form the influential archive are protected and not permitted to leave the country without official permission. Through this archive, Backhausen gives ‘Made in Austria’ a deeper and greater meaning.  The company’s strength is finding the right balance between tradition and modern technology through experience and creativity.

Backhausen products give ‘Made in Austria’ an international perspective with its brand pillars of craftsmanship, sustainability, heritage and individuality.

Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg Imperial Palace and State Opera House in Vienna are all renowned Austrian landmarks in which Backhausen’s fabrics can be found. Internationally, Backhausen textiles can be seen in first class hotels, theatres, restaurants, cafes, renowned landmarks and high-end residential projects.

The company is in partnership with designers from different industries and backgrounds, in addition to the use of its fabrics for interior upholstery and curtains. The fashion designer, Arthur Arbesser commissioned Backhausen to produce exquisite jacquard fabrics for two of his collections shown at Milan Fashion week and the Leopold Museum in Vienna. Backhausen fabrics can also be found in elegant modes of transport, as they are certified for aviation and marine interiors because of their durability and luxuriousness.

Backhausen’s bespoke options allow designers to express their individuality and creativity by creating project-specific patterns and motifs. Sagmeister & Walsh designed the Colour Room, in creative partnership with Backhausen, for their exhibition “Beauty” at the Vienna MAK (Museum of Applied Arts).

“‘Made in Austria’ is much more than a label.”

To expand on Backhausen’s versatility and its diverse project collection, its textiles are featured on the big screen set designs and decoration. Its influential film portfolio includes the 24th film in the James Bond series, James Bond 007: Spectre (2015) and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) by Wes Anderson, a four-times Oscar winning film, one of which was for set design.

‘Made in Austria’ is much more than a label: it represents a passion for art, heritage, tradition, craftsmanship, design and quality. Backhausen’s well-crafted Austrian-made fabrics enhance and inspire with timeless beauty, versatility and durability.

Backhausen is one of the brands that has taken advantage of our Industry Support Package. To keep up to date with supplier news, click here. And, if you are interested in also benefitting from this  three-month editorial package, please email Katy Phillips by clicking here.

Main image credit: Backhausen

Hamish Kilburn / 17.04.2020

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