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.
Models wandering aimlessly, casually having a cocktail from a trolley may not immediately transport the audience to California, albeit inspiration for the latest Dive-In collection by London brand Point Blank was from the 1967 David Hockney painting - The Bigger Splash (currently owned by Tate Britain), according to the design duo behind the brand - Yanyu Chung and Adrienne Lau.
