Pendleton Woolen Mills to celebrate completion of 100 years

17 Feb '09

3 min read

Pendleton Woolen Mills launched its Weaving America's Spirit Since 1909 celebration at the site of its original mill in Pendleton, Ore. To honor this first century milestone, the company hosted a rededication at the mill and announced its year-long planned celebrations and the launch of commemorative apparel and home collections for Fall 2009.

In addition, the company added to its Heritage Collection in the mill's own exhibit to honor CMB Jr. (4th generation family member). It features his personal collection of authentic American Indian artifacts. For the centennial year the exhibit will now feature three rare antique blankets on loan from Mark Pigott, PACCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Pendleton's introductions for fall 2009 include its Centennial Collection, featuring contemporary interpretations of iconic street wear for men and women. Also featured are new items honoring legendary figures in Pendleton's history, the Jackson Sundown Western shirt and the Roy Bishop fringed leather jacket.*

Additionally, a collection of apparel and home products use the special "Spirit of the Peoples" pattern created for the anniversary, including a commemorative Indian Trade Blanket. Featured in the womenswear collection are several jacquard coats, new skirt designs, and a suede fringed shawl as well as accessory bags and boots.

The menswear collection features jacquard outerwear as well as iconic designs such as the Harding Crew Shetland sweaters and outerwear.

The company will also release a special Holiday 2009 collection by NBC's Today Show Animal Welfare Reporter Jill Rappaport. Her new Pendleton by Jill Rappaport Collection of coats, status bags, and dog products were designed using three antique Indian trade blanket designs. Proceeds will benefit the American Indian College Fund and the Jack & Jill Foundation, an affiliation with Tails of Home for educating pet owners on medical advancements.

An admirer and collector of vintage Navajo and Pendleton Indian blankets, Rappaport said, "Pendleton jacquards are all throughout my home. I wanted to work these wonderful patterns into a collection with fresh appeal for women everywhere, not just women like me who love Western style."

Reflecting on the history, Pendleton President Mort Bishop III said at the Pendleton Mill event, "This is a time of both reflection of the many stories, successes and challenges over the decades, as well as our Pacific Northwest company's influence on American fashion and home products.

It is also a time to look ahead as we enter a new century for our company. Wherever I go, I hear wonderful Pendleton stories. Our challenge in the sixth generation is to engage a new generation of consumers. We can only do this if we remain true to the values and principles that have made the Pendleton lifestyle synonymous with quality."

He concluded with, "We are positioned well for the next 100 years and look forward to continuing to design and weave not only the American icon and treasure -- the Indian trade blanket -- but our full collection of Pendleton womenswear, menswear and home products."

Pendleton's commemorative collections will be sold at specialty stores, department stores and through Pendleton retail stores, catalog and online stores beginning July 2009.

Pendleton Woolen Mills

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