Harris Tweed Celebrates UK Revival in London. Production soared to 1.7 million metres last year.

Harris Tweed, the celebrated cloth which a long time ago may have been synonymous with the "Miss Marple" look, continues to be a high fashion favourite today with many of the world’s leading fashion houses vying for the fabric as a staple of their A/W collections, recognising the quality that comes with the ‘Made in Britain’ tag.

Celebrating the UK’s revived love affair with the luxury hand-woven fabric as part of this season’s London Fashion Week, the sought-after Harris Tweed took pride of place at the Dover House in Whitehall to mark sustained global production growth over the past seven years - particularly in the UK market.

The guest list of VIPs who enjoyed a Hebridean gala on Monday night, February 22, with traditional Scottish music and fare, hosted by the Harris Tweed Authority and the Secretary of State, David Mundell, MP.

Outfits from UK designers such as Nigel Cabourn, Art Comes First and Walker Slater as well as two ensembles straight from Margaret Howell’s London Fashion Week collection were showcased on the catwalk. 

According to the Harris Tweed Authority, the UK market for Harris Tweed has grown exponentially over the past two years, with a significant increase in UK based orders.

 Across the entire sector in 2015, production of the unique and legally protected hand-woven cloth soared to 1.7 million metres.

Thanks to seasoned and new designers embracing the versatility of Harris Tweed it has witnessed a welcomed resurgence across many home collections.

As British designer Margaret Howell who showed at London Fashion Week on Sunday and has a long affiliation with Harris Tweed said: “A lover of wild open spaces, I feel an empathy with Harris Tweed. Weaving on hand looms creates a depth and complexity of texture that can’t be imitated by a mechanical process. The resilient wool, the designs in earthy colours – reflect the landscape, the climate and the skills of the local people who produce it.

“I’ve always been attracted by its authenticity, and chose Harris Tweed when designing my first winter jacket and overcoat. I’ve used it ever since.”

The renewed affection for the fabric in the UK as well as aboard is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the weavers, the work of the mills and Harris Tweed Authority who work tirelessly to promote and protect this iconic industry which is protected by an Act of Parliament and more recently a Grant of Arms.

Harris Tweed Authority chairman, Norman L Macdonald said: “The UK market really understands the quality and unique characteristics of Harris Tweed. We are so proud to see the cloth which is hand-woven at the homes of just 175 weavers on the islands of Lewis and Harris transformed in to stunning collections which are shown on catwalks of the world’s fashion capitals.

“We are grateful to have such support and loyalty from designers and fashion houses on our doorstep as well as our international clients.

“To celebrate in the UK capital at the start of London Fashion Week is a perfect way to mark our continued growth and the craftsmanship that still remains true to honouring the unique production methods of Harris Tweed.”

With the industry now estimated to be worth nearly £11 million, it plays a significant role - not only for employment on the Hebridean islands but also the industry’s contribution to both Scotland and UK economies.

Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said: “ Harris Tweed is a beautiful product – close to its heritage and geographic roots, yet setting trends right across the world."

All photos above by Stewart Bryden, issued on behalf of the Harris Tweed Authority by Weber Shandwick.

Iconic Harris Tweed Receives Ultimate Accolade

                            --- Grant of Arms awarded to further protect the Scottish cloth ---

Earlier this month, the Harris Tweed Authority announced that it was granted the ultimate seal of approval from Lord Lyon King of Arms, Dr. Joseph Morrow QC, who has bestowed upon the business a Grant of Arms.

Lord Lyon, with Norman MacDonald chairman of the Harris Tweed Authority and Letters Patent
Photo issued on behalf of the Harris Tweed Authority by Weber Shandwick.  

The luxury cloth was presented with the official Letters Patent at a presentation ceremony in Edinburgh on 10 February at the Court of The Lord Lyon at HM New Register House.

This honour, which complements the existing Harris Tweed Act of 1993, gives the cloth the lawful right to bear a Coat of Arms under complete protection against any unauthorised use.

It means that Harris Tweed, which is defined as cloth, hand woven only by the islanders of Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra in their own homes, using pure virgin wool that has been dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, is the only material in the world that can be presented as Harris Tweed and bear its renowned Orb Certification Mark.

Photo issued on behalf of the Harris Tweed Authority by Weber Shandwick.  

The arms incorporate the elements of the Harris Tweed Authority’s logo with the motto, “Guardians of the Orb”, appearing on the Letters Patent. The Authority also uses the Gaelic phrase ‘Ughdarras a Chlo Hearaich’, which translates as ‘Trustee of Harris Tweed’.

The prestigious award further strengthens the cloth’s position as a respected leader in the clothing manufacturing industry.