BRAIN AND BREATH
Brain and Breath is a brand proudly designed and crafted in Portugal, with a strong commitment to sustainability and the responsible use of resources. Our collections are made using natural fibers such as cotton and linen, but what truly sets us apart is our innovative approach to sourcing materials. We carefully select high-quality fabrics from deadstock and leftovers from Portugal’s luxury home textiles and fashion industries—remnants that would otherwise go to waste. By giving a second life to these fabrics, we turn surplus into stylish, comfortable homewear and loungewear pieces that are both durable and timeless.
Our mission is to reduce textile waste while supporting traditional craftsmanship. Portugal's rich history in the textile sector allows us to work closely with local artisans and small-scale producers who use their skills to transform these unused materials into beautiful, eco-conscious designs. Each piece you wear from Brain and Breath carries the story of rescued fabrics, with the added value of being made in a country renowned for its quality and ethical practices. Through this, we aim to promote mindful consumption and encourage our customers to choose products that respect both people and the planet.
THE STORY BEHIND THE BRAND
We believe that it's possible to offer beautiful and durable products without compromising the planet or the people involved in production.
The mission of Brain and Breath is to create high-quality products that promote comfort and well-being while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental responsibility. We believe it is possible to combine beautiful design with functionality without harming the planet or disregarding the people involved in production. That is why we repurpose deadstock and surplus fabrics from Portugal's renowned textile industry, transforming them into useful, durable pieces. Rather than seeing these materials as waste, we view them as an opportunity to create something new and reduce environmental impact.
At Brain and Breath, we aim to build a brand that blends conscious design, comfort, and sustainability with a tangible and positive impact. We focus on reusing materials, such as fabrics left behind by larger brands, giving them a new purpose in our collections. This approach not only prevents premium materials from going to waste but also helps reduce our environmental footprint by minimising the need for new fabric production. The Second Life Collection embodies this vision, where discarded fabrics are transformed into unique and functional products.
The values of Brain and Breath reflect a balance between sustainability, social responsibility, and respect for Portuguese traditions. We collaborate with small local factories and artisans, promoting ethical practices and supporting cultural heritage. Our production combines age-old techniques, such as manual weaving, with contemporary designs that prioritise functionality and durability. Products like those in the Cocoon Collection exemplify our commitment to creating pieces that bring warmth and beauty into the home, while also telling stories of care, time, and purpose.
Brain and Breath: A Journey of Sustainability and Purpose
After 30 years working as a designer in the Portuguese textile industry, witnessing the immense waste and surplus fabrics, I began to feel an unsettling discomfort—as if I were on the wrong side of history. Environmental concerns and social responsibility were often sidelined by market demands, particularly when it came to balancing quality and cost. We all know how hard it is to get things right from the start, and the constant need for innovation often leads to experimentation. The result? Vast amounts of leftover fabrics, knits, and even kilos of yarn deemed unusable, destined for recycling—or worse, the bin.
It was from this unease, combined with a growing desire to make a difference, that the idea for Brain and Breath was born. "Brain" represents the act of rethinking; "Breath" signifies the need to pause, reflect, and realign.
Fashion, by its nature, is fast-paced and consumer-driven. It often contradicts ecological principles. Coming from the fashion industry myself, I saw firsthand how the race for novelty and fleeting trends distances us from reality, from the natural rhythms of life, and even from our physical and emotional wellbeing.
During the pandemic, I was fortunate to spend time in a home by the sea, surrounded by nature. It was there that I truly slowed down, observed, and connected with the pulse of life. Every day, I watched plastic wash ashore, carried by the waves. The ocean’s wear and tear exposed the microscopic particles it left behind in the water, revealing the deeper issue. I read scientific studies, and my understanding of natural and synthetic fibers deepened. I knew how the treatments we apply to textiles cause wear and contribute to pollution. It became clear to me: Brain and Breath could not add to the problem of microplastics in the oceans.
With this commitment in mind, we only use synthetic materials when absolutely necessary, such as recycled polyester threads for stitching or embroidery.
Portugal’s textile industry is a national treasure, and supporting it not only reduces our carbon footprint but also celebrates local craftsmanship. Brain and Breath exclusively collaborates with Portuguese partners—small workshops where we create synergies based on mutual respect and shared values.
We have partnered with a national dye house that adheres to sustainability standards, reducing CO₂ emissions by 70%. Even our paper labels are made in Portugal and certified.
Brain and Breath is more than a product brand. It’s a story—a story of sustainability, innovation, and respect for our planet. With deep roots in Portugal, our mission is fuelled by a passion for design and quality, and a steadfast commitment to ecological practices.
Sílvia Alves
Designer and Founder
We love design.
We love the future.