After harvesting, cork bark is boiled to make it more elastic and flexible. Once dried and trimmed, it's bonded to a textile backing—usually cotton or polyester—creating what's known as cork fabric or cork leather.

This process involves skilled craftsmanship and a lot of manual work, which contributes to cork's value. In Portugal, where cork has deep cultural roots, artisans continue to innovate—dyeing cork in vibrant colors and printing unique patterns directly onto the material.

From bags and shoes to dresses and accessories, cork has firmly entered the fashion world. Its versatility, waterproof nature, and bold design possibilities make it one of the most exciting sustainable materials today.