Celebration of wool with Savile Row Field Day
…IN SUPPORT OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR WOOL, PATRON HRH THE PRINCE OF WALES
Sheep will graze in the worlds most prestigious tailoring location as the housesopen their hallowed doors to promote wool as the cloth of choice for bespokeluxury clothing
Savile Row Field Day saw the worlds most prestigious tailoring location closed to traffic as dozens of sheep grazed in specially laid pasture on the Row. Watched over by two farmers, the first dressed in an Anderson & Sheppard bespoke suit created using Fox Brothers new West of England cloth produced from wool sourced from Exmoor Horn sheep, with the second farmer dressed for the unique occasion by Gieves & Hawkes.
As the sheep grazed, visitors were welcomed to open house events and tours of the Rows most famous tailoring houses to learn how wool is used by the great British mills, such as Fox Brothers and Dormeuil, to inspire the world?class bespoke tailors of Savile Row.
Members of the public also learned more about the qualities of wool and why it is revered as a sustainable, natural fibre.
Douglas Cordeaux, Managing Director, said: Fox Brothers has been using wool to produce luxury cloth at its West Country mill and supplying Savile Row since the eighteenth century. We have a collective responsibility to champion this versatile, sustainable and natural fibre, the production of which involves far lower carbon emissions than man?made alternatives. We need to support farmers who are the custodians of our rural landscape and truly value the qualities of this wonderful resource, which is used to weave the finest luxury cloth you can buy.
Dominic Dormeuil commented: “Wool is the most versatile textile fibre in the world. Dormeuil has been using many varieties of wool to manufacture the finest fabrics in the world since 1842. It is our duty to support and encourage all the farmers who supply this wonderful fibre and enable us to produce the most luxurious cloths in the world and to the artisans of Savile Row in particular. Dormeuil is proud to be associated with The Campaign for Wool and Savile Row in supporting this event, synonymous with expert craftsmanship and excellence.”
Anda Rowland from Anderson & Sheppard added: What else can you buy that still looks good after twenty years use? Wool is a staple of a mans wardrobe, refined, comfortable and it holds its colour and shape. Hardly surprising that tailors scissors are known as shears. Wool is ideal for todays adaptable all?season clothing. It has centuries of technical improvement behind it.
David Coleridge, Managing Director, Huntsman: “Wool is at the very heart of what we produce on Savile Row. Good quality wool ensures the very best tailoring. It lends itself perfectly to every occasion and almost every permutation. It is comfortable and moves and breathes fantastically. It represents over 90% of what we produce (at Huntsman), demonstrating the trust, confidence and spectrum of choice our customers have in selecting it.”
Peter Ackroyd, Woolmark Innovation (WIPL) London stated: WIPL and Savile Row have a long history of making common cause in the interests of bringing excellence to consumers. Fine micron wools from Australia woven in England and Scotland are an essential part of a truly British product made on Savile Row.
- SRB members and partners supporting the event are: Huntsman, Anderson & Sheppard, Henry Poole & Co, Gieves & Hawkes, Norton & Sons, Hardy Amies, Dege & Skinner, Meyer & Mortimer, Chittleborough & Morgan, Richard James, Fox Brothers, Dormeuil and Hand & Lock
- The Campaign for Wools five?year programme aims to increase demand for wool, which has been declining recently in spite of the recognised beneficial qualities of the fibre.
- Savile Row Bespoke Association (SRB) unites the founding fathers of the Row with the New Establishment tailors to protect and develop a craft practiced in this elite quarter of Mayfair for over two centuries. In order to become a member, a tailor must adhere to strict guidelines in terms of the way a garment is produced thereby protecting the global reputation of the worlds most prestigious location for bespoke suits and tailoring. Fox Brothers, Dormeuil and Hand & Lock are partners.
- A registered vet will be on site caring for the animals during the day and the animals will have constant access to clean water and food.