Recognized by the New York Times as one of only three original secular wool handicrafts to still exist in Europe, the Fábrica Alentejana de Lanifícios (Wool Factory of Alentejo) is one of the most recognized and prized wool factories in the country.
The patterns and colours of the wool products are closely related to Alentejo
Known to Portuguese people as Mizette, after the owner, Mizette Nielsen, they are still handcrafted in Alentejo, more specifically in the Reguengos de Monsaraz region, where they produce all sorts of blankets and rugs and carpets, with a team of qualified professionals using only the most high-quality ingredients to produce some of the best wool products in the country.Founded in the early 19th century, the blankets and wool products produced by the factory were used by local shepherds to protect themselves from the cold, and as such most of the patterns and colours used are closely related to Alentejo, with its floral fields of orange, yellow, brown and red, and motifs that resemble the typical houses from Alentejo.
The quality is such that Kenzo Takada, founder of the brand KENZO cosmetics and clothing, visited the factory himself three years ago and now sells their products in KENZO HOME and uses their wool for KENZO clothing.