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Although wool has become part of a global industry, a large portion of European wool ends up in landfills every year—overlooked, underestimated, and dismissed as waste. Beatriz Isca, however, views wool from a different perspective. “Wool Matters” is a powerful reminder of how much we can learn from something as seemingly simple as wool.
“Wool Matters” is the master’s thesis project of multidisciplinary designer Beatriz. “It began with the belief in wool’s power to make visible the complex connections between land, animals, and people.” Beatriz discovered wool’s ability as a universal language that transcends social, intergenerational, and cultural barriers, serving as a bridge to connect diverse lives and stories. In her work on “Wool Matters,” she employs a post-humanist perspective to understand the symbiotic relationships between humans, animals, and land.
Aware of the human and non-human stakeholders in the wool ecosystem, she has collaborated with various players in the local wool landscape to identify opportunities and bridge gaps. She highlights the intrinsic value of wool, hoping to foster a more sustainable, respectful approach to textiles—one that considers people, animals, and the environment as interconnected parts of a shared ecosystem.
»The devaluation of local wool in Europe reflects the anthropocentric worldview and unsustainable lifestyles of modern society, perpetuating the celebration of capitalism at the expense of ecological destruction and social exploitation.«
Beatriz Isca
she says. Beyond traditional profit-driven industries and with a focus on local and craft-based practices, Beatriz aims to redefine our relationship with wool—and thus with nature.
When it comes to community-centric sustainable practices, Beatriz Isca advocates for a return to natural rhythms—those shaped by the seasons and the conscious pace of craftsmanship. She encourages a more humane and ecologically mindful way of life. Her mission extends beyond mere conversations; it’s about shaping a vision that puts decision-making power back into the hands of local communities. By integrating designers more deeply into societal roles, Beatriz aims to empower communities to question and reshape the structures that define our lives.
As a researcher and communicator, Beatriz drives collaboration—not only to raise awareness but also to foster tangible connections. Through her craft-based practices, she highlights the value of local wool and encourages citizens to actively participate. Her workshops and collaborations are not just a way to work with wool; they invite participants to feel, reflect, and engage with the far-reaching implications of consumption and production that this ancient material entails.
Bringing Wool Matters to Munich also means seeking local collaborations. For instance, weaver Lukas Gschnitzer and locally sourced yarns from Rauwerk became part of the project presentation, showcasing the value of local wool. Rauwerk firmly stands behind the principle of working with Mother Nature, not against her. Their yarns come from local Merino sheep and are produced in a family-run spinning mill south of Munich. This partnership exemplifies the potential of community-oriented, nature-connected approaches to create sustainable future perspectives.
Modularity is not a new concept. For decades, it has shaped architecture, furniture and industrial design. Applying it to soft textiles, however, opens up an entirely new discussion.
Creativity and curiosity have always been our driving force. Our work evolves through prototypes—never finished, always raising new questions about materials, processes, and possibilities.
Both the fashion and textile industry often celebrates creativity. Yet many of the industry’s creative decisions are made long before a designer ever begins designing. Colour being one of them. The thing is, by the time a designer selects yarn, someone else has already determined the available colours, sequences and combinations. Choice exists, but only within boundaries.
“Through hands-on experimentation, I explore the potential of new surfaces and alternative forms of leather, aiming to reconnect human life with the natural world as an interconnected fabric.”
