A Textile Showcase and Fashion Show take centre stage at the ‘Grand Depart’ International Business Festival in Leeds
Combining cutting-edge textile technology and creative design skills, Yorkshire produces some of the world’s finest suiting cloths, interior textiles, luxurious yarns and a wide range of couture fabrics and textile accessories, reaching global markets. Steeped in heritage yet defined by contemporary trends and technology, today’s textile sector in Yorkshire is a vibrant and essential part of the regional economy.
To celebrate the Grand Depart, the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) have teamed up with the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and the Campaign for Wool, in the creation of a comprehensive textiles showcase that illustrates the many facets of today’s Yorkshire textile industry.
The International Business Festival took place at the Carriageworks in Leeds on 3rd July and included a textile showcase of garments made from premium yarn as well as fabrics that have been designed, spun, woven and finished in Yorkshire. Alongside the catwalk show, visitors were also able to try their hand at knitting in a fun cycling-themed hand-knitting ‘PicKnit’ workshop.
John Miln, CEO of UKFT states: ‘’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. ‘’
Pete Ackroyd CEO of Campaign for Wool states: ‘’The Campaign for Wool is delighted to support the Grand Depart 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 the 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 and prove otherwise.’’
The International Business Festival was a great success attracting visitors from far and wide as well as gaining mentions in the regional and national press.