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Stornoway, Lewis

Some of Scotland’s top designers showcased their creations at an exclusive fashion show in Stornoway today  featuring the island’s famous Harris Tweed fabric.  

The show was staged to celebrate the centenary year of the ‘orb’ trademark and showcased cutting edge designed pieces from some of Scotland and the UK’s most talented and celebrated designers including Vivienne Westwood, Henry Holland, Deryck Walker, Ben Sherman, Judy R Clark and Iona Crawford.

Alison MacLeod, a Lewis-based textile artist teamed up with Scottish designer Judy R. Clark to produce a unique range of frock coats which opened the show. The womens-wear jackets feature Gaelic poetry, pheasant feather bustles antique lace and delicate silks. This unique collection will be hitting the catwalks of New York City in April where the designers have secured their own slot at this years Dressed to Kilt.

Chief Executive of the Harris Tweed Authority, Lorna Macaulay said: ‘We’re delighted to have staged this special show to celebrate the centenary year of the ‘orb’ trademark.  We felt it was important to give something back to the local community and acknowledge their skill and support over the years.  A show like this really helps to bring the fabric to life, giving people the chance to see just how it can be used to create some beautiful designs.

‘The resurgence of the fabric as a contemporary cloth which features within the collections of so many high profile designers is amazing.  It has also played a major role in building the profile of our island and for the skill of our weavers internationally.  Today we have demonstrated just how versatile this wonderful fabric can be.’

Judy R Clark is one of Scotland’s leading young designers and loves working with the fabric.  

She said: ‘I was delighted to be involved in helping to stage this exclusive show for Stornoway. The audience reaction was incredible – they were really impressed to see such a diverse range of designs on the models.  I’ve always loved working with Harris Tweed - being able to create such contemporary pieces with a fabric that has such a unique heritage is something very special indeed.’

Tthe Harris Tweed industry is undergoing a revival due to increased application of the ancient cloth in ladies wear, home and corporate interiors, soft furnishing and in high quality accessories.

There has also been a significant increase in appreciation of the craft and skill that goes into every metre of Harris Tweed and of its social, historical and indeed economic importance to the Outer Hebrides of Scotland.

The unique protection under the Orb trademark and the strength of the brand have enabled Harris Tweed to survive these hard times which have largely wiped out most of the UK textile industry.

Harris Tweed fashion show delights Stornoway audience      12/3/11

Local by fabric & design:  Man’s outfit by Netty Sopata, Ness. Bridal dress by Sallie Avis, Ness &  bottom skirt by Laurie Stewart, Back. Tweed by Carloway Mill