A LIFETIME OF KNIT - ABOUT MICHAELA

 

I have dedicated my life to knitting. I learned this craft from my mother when I was four years old, growing up in rural Carinthia, in the south of Austria, surrounded by farms.

Fascinated by fashion and art, I studied in Vienna at the Academy of Fine Arts and then at the University of Applied Arts under the tutelage of Raf Simons.

At the age of 25, I embarked on a journey to Paris, driven by a dream of a career in luxury fashion. At that time, the industry lacked hand-knitted garments. I started with handmade accessories, blending traditional techniques with pop culture icons to create unique knitwear. This idea resonated with many, marking the beginning of a successful venture.

Today, I live in Lyon, France, and I took advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to reflect on my roots and the beauty of traditional Austrian knitwear. I found my way to bring traditional Alpine knit patterns, techniques, and aesthetics into the present and to revalue this immaterial heritage in crossover knitwear jewels you will value for a long time.

I am deeply committed to building a social and sustainable enterprise; the brand has always ensured its responsible sourcing and production are low impact. Creating garments to last a lifetime, Buerger sources fine wool from small producers in France, Austria and Italy. 

With my brand, Michaela Buerger, I combine the Alpine heritage of exquisite traditional craftsmanship and modern design.

Sincerely yours, Michaela