Ahead of the Natwest UK Fashion And Textile Awards 2014 on May 22nd, we've been taking stock of the amazing things that have happened in the UK textile industry since the start of the year. And there's no bad news here...
1. Chanel announced plans to create 100 new knitwear jobs in Scotland. Think all that Lagerfeld-dreamed-up magic happens in Paris? Not so much. The fashion house works with Barrie Knitwear in Hawick to create its cashmere products. In April, president of Chanel Bruce Palovsky revealed the company has plans to expand its business there over the next three years.
2.Textile manufacturing in the UK is seriously back in vogue. Businesses who resisted the trend to produce abroad have reported incredible profits – prime example? Savile Row's Drake's Of London made £7m last year - and new labels are following suit. Hipster brand Bitching And Junkfood quit China to manufacture from Edmonton, east London, while the first "made in Britain" stiletto company Yull Shoes, opened in 2011.
3. Smart textiles AKA the wearable tech business is booming in the UK. British-made interactive textiles are now being used by huge brands such as Nike, Quicksilver, Tommy Hilfiger, Levis and North Face.
4. Companies want textiles made in the UK. Talking to fashion industry bible Drapers earlier this year from London's Textile Forum, business manager of Hainsworth Wool Michael Booth said: More and more people want the UK made product," he said. "People have got tired of everything made in sweatshops, it's about quality now."
5. The UK's first ever fashion and textiles show is happening. "Meet The Manufacturer" is being launched by ex-Burberry accessories designer and Debenhams buyer Kate Hills and set to take place on June 11th and 12th at the Old Truman Brewery. It's aim? To "support a revival in UK fashion and textile manufacturing".
MyDaily is the official media partner of the UK Fashion And Textile Awards 2014.
MORE!