UKFT & UKTI to host showcase of Yorkshire textile industry

26 Jun '14

3 min read

In anticipation of the ‘Grand Départ’ of the Tour de France from Leeds, the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) have teamed up with UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the Campaign for Wool (of which the HRH Prince of Wales is Patron) to host a comprehensive showcase of the Yorkshire textile industry.

Today’s Yorkshire textile industry is a vibrant and essential part of the regional economy producing the world’s finest suiting cloths, stunning interior textiles, luxurious yarns and a wide range of couture fabrics and textile accessories. Taking place at The Carriageworks in Leeds on Thursday 3rd July, the event will celebrate the diversity and creativity of the contemporary Yorkshire textile industry.

The festival will include a textile and fashion showcase of textiles and garments made from premium yarn and fabrics all designed, spun, woven and finished in Yorkshire. There will also be a catwalk show, held at 2pm & 4pm presented by Leeds business entrepreneur Francesca MacDuff-Varley (well known since her appearance on TV show 'The Apprentice' in 2013). Other interactive activities including a fun cycling-themed hand-knitting ‘PicKnit’ workshop where visitors can try their hand at knitting, using some of Yorkshire’s most luxurious pure wool yarns.

John Miln, CEO of UKFT said, “Textiles from Yorkshire provide the key ingredient for renowned fashion labels, couture houses and high-class tailors throughout the world, as well as for hotel chains, office furniture and military uniforms. Technical textile manufacturing, fibre processors and textile finishing together with some of the UK’s most reputable textiles colleges and universities provide additional and contemporary facets to a robust and dynamic industry sector which we are proud to promote.

"The Grand Départ of the Tour de France will take its riders on a tour of Yorkshire’s most spectacular (and arduous!) countryside, and through some of Yorkshire’s iconic towns and villages with a rich textile history. The Grand Départ gives us a great platform to promote the skills and creativity of the Yorkshire textile sector to a wider international audience”.

Peter Ackroyd, COO of Campaign for Wool said, “The Campaign for Wool is delighted to support the 'Grand Départ' from Leeds. Wool has some unique properties that are ideal for active sports, particularly cycling. The thermal management qualities of wool ensure a competitor keeps cool in high temperatures and warm when the thermometer drops. This has been demonstrated throughout the years and has stood the test of time despite other fibre companies investing heavily to try to prove otherwise.”

UKFT

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