Uncovering the near-mythic origins of this iconic wool
Uncovering the near-mythic origins of this iconic wool
SaxXon
wool can trace its lineage to the medieval period, when the flock’s earliest
ancestors accompanied Arab expansion across North Africa and ultimately into
Spain. Spanish royals were impressed by the quality of the wool and went to
great lengths to ensure the purity of the bloodline was preserved, making it a
symbol of wealth and privilege. In 1765, the King of Spain, Charles III,
presented a flock of the prized sheep to his German cousin, the Elector of
Saxony, Frederick Augustus III, granting the name SaxXon as it is now known.
By the 19th century, the descendants of this gifted
flock were spread across Germany, scattered by the ravages of Napoleon’s
military campaigns. In 1830, Scotland’s Elizabeth Furlonge—whose shrewd
businessman husband noticed the sheep were selling for high prices—traveled
throughout Saxony and Prussia with the goal of acquiring these imperiled sheep
and bringing them to Scotland where they might thrive. After success in
Britain, Furlonge and her sons relocated to the more sustainable climate of
Tasmania, Australia with a small SaxXon flock. When World War I decimated
the European stock, the flock introduced here (and later New Zealand) became
the sole source of this legendary wool.
Present day SaxXon wool is still sheared from the descendants
of Furlonge’s original flock of sheep, tended in some of Australia and New
Zealand’s most picturesque fields and valleys. A new generation of growers
(less than 30 family farmers) is committed to safeguarding the future of this
fiber because of its unique properties and very limited stock. It’s this
combination of quality and exclusivity that allows SaxXon to take its rightful
place along side of Brooks Brothers most celebrated icons.
This season, we continue to expand our SaxXon Wool line in several categories. A curated selection of soft crewneck, v-neck and shawl collar sweaters allow for effortless layering while cold-weather accessories such as scarves and ruanas offer warmth and lightweight comfort that’s characteristic of SaxXon. As always, there’s a full line of suiting for men and women, refreshed with new patterns and a range of fits. These offerings can only be found in Brooks Brothers stores, where the story of SaxXon Wool has only just begun.
Brooks Brothers Vietnam:
– Ho Chi Minh: L1 – 19 & 20, Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, District 1 – ☎ (028) 3939 0477
– Hanoi: 31 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem District – ☎ (024) 3266 8206
