Cultural Threads between Austria and South Tyrol

18 August 2025

Cultural Threads between Austria and South Tyrol

Lightweight wool bouclé in berry red, vanilla, cappuccino, and espresso check from Moessmer in Bruneck, South Tyrol.

Nestled at the crossroads between Tyrolean tradition and Italian flair, South Tyrol reflects in its fabrics a heritage deeply tied to Austria. In Bruneck, the mix of alpine sportswear and elegant woolens hints at that shared past: rugged hiking jackets, mountain biking attire, and refined Loden coats all sit comfortably side by side. It is here, amid the active street scene dominated by athletic silhouettes, that Moessmer, an iconic South Tyrolean fabric manufacturer, operates.

Moessmer: A Legacy of Wool Excellence

Founded in 1894, Moessmer is one of the region's most enduring textile mills, recognized for integrated production—from raw wool to finished high-quality fabrics. Their clients include distinguished international labels like Prada, Etro, Brunello Cucinelli, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton.

In 2010, Moessmer introduced a premium fire-resistant Loden specifically tailored for interior design—an effort that opened the brand to home furnishing markets with fabrics offering luxurious texture alongside safety credentials.

Moessmer also owns the Living Kitzbühel brand—an Austrian company under its umbrella—known for elegant house shoes and slippers using traditional fabrics. However, on August 14, Living Kitzbühel filed for bankruptcy, reportedly with liabilities nearing three million euros. Analysts cited a lack of diversification and insufficient digitalization efforts since its founding as key factors in its financial troubles.

Fabric Shopping & Footwear Finds at Moessmer in Bruneck

On a recent visit, Fashion.at explored the Moessmer outlet located in the industrial area of Bruneck. The visit revealed an eclectic collection: soft ballerinas with fur-like wool soles and Hüttenschuhe (cabin slippers) made of felted wool—ideal for stepping softly indoors. These were displayed alongside ready-to-wear collections for men and women, mainly consisting of jackets and coats crafted from traditional loden and wool fabrics in elegant, classic designs. Several of the clothing pieces read like tasteful citations or reinterpretations of traditional Tracht—but with a strong lean toward contemporary fashion rather than folk costume. Moessmer's expertise in processing technology manifests in simple, refined finishing methods. Their deep know-how enables efficient handling of edges and seams, resulting in pieces that are cleanly constructed without fuss. The standout items included ponchos cut in understated yet distinctive ways: designs that impart a subtle extraordinariness. These are not flashy fashion statements—they emanate a quiet elegance and considerable style.

Many of the fabrics featured in the clothing range are also sold by the meter, catering to DIY textile enthusiasts and designers alike. One limitation to note: Fabrics by the meter cannot be purchased online—only in person at the Bruneck location. However - Fashion.at will be back in Bruneck.

Image: Close-up of a lightweight wool bouclé fabric in a textured check pattern, blending berry red, soft vanilla, cappuccino brown, and deep espresso tones. The fabric, purchased by fashion.at at Moessmer in Bruneck, South Tyrol, shows the mill’s refined craftsmanship.