Trade Services

Fashion fabrics

Over the last thirty years Harris Tweed has been used by Ralph Lauren, Vivienne Westwood, Brioni and many other top brands.

Designers are united in their appreciation of the unique heritage and craft of Harris Tweed. VOGUE.COM Scottish Accessories Designer of the Year Joyce Paton says: “It’s the way the fabric cuts and sits that makes it unique. It’s malleable but not flimsy.”

Deryck Walker adds, “Harris Tweed has the dynamic combination of being strong but easy to manage.”

The direct relationship between the land and the fabric is an additional attraction for designers. The unique Hebridean landscape provides a colour reference for many of the Tweed designs.

Fashion journalist Wendy Kauffman says: “Wool is wonderful. Really. Aside from lace, it’s just about the most forgiving fabric around, in so many ways. Give me a nice worsted wool dress over a polyester dress on any hot summer day … One of my favorites is Harris Tweed, from Scotland, made by crofters and weavers out in their sheds on Lewis on big metal Hattersley looms…”.

We regularly welcome leading designers to the mill at Shawbost.  They come and see for themselves the magic of the Harris Tweed process and talk to our expert staff about their detailed requirements.