Made in Yorkshire
It has been a long time coming but, Yorkshire (or more precisely Hudderfield) is about to get the platform it deserves for its design and manufacturing talent.

A new initiative by the Textile Centre of Excellence in Huddersfield — supported by MP's and the Design Director of Burberry, Christopher Bailey — will ensure that Yorkshire's home grown design talent, is given the support needed to guarantee commercial success.

Placing Yorkshire's history and expertise at producing luxurious fabrics firmly on the map, the initiative will culminate with Yorkshire Fashion Week, which is aimed at raising awareness, promoting and showcasing regional design and manufacturing talent, not only on a local scale but, on an international one as well.

Working in tandem with regional universities and forging links with key industry players and institutions, it is hoped that the initiative will create jobs and breathe new life into the industry.

More than 1000 people graduate from the Yorkshire and the Humber Universities and Colleges each year in Textile and Fashion Design, representing over 20 per cent of the UK total proportion of graduates in these disciplines. In addition to this, the industry employs approximately 40,000 people, which is equivalent to 10 per cent of the UK's total which seems impressive, until a reference is made back to the 1980's when the industry was at its peak and employed many more.

With the emphasis (nowadays) placed on the fashion capitals of Paris, Milan, New York and our own London and when you consider, the mass manufacturing capabilities of China and India, Yorkshire has to compete by quantifying a market niche — that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world — based essentially on its rich textile history. An unattainable feat? Not really, as innovation and inspiration is in steady supply through the emergence of local design talent like Rebecca Thomas (owner of label 'Rockwife') and Jeanie Cella both of whom (to their credit) have already acquired a thriving celebrity client base which includes Robbie Williams and U2 band members; who wear their custom made designs. John Warburton, Director of Training at the Textile Centre of Excellence says, "We [Barry Sheerman Huddersfield MP, Bill Macbeth Managing Director, Textile Excellence Forum, Graham Leslie, Policy Connect etc.] have been working with the business plan for years. Not only will it create a brand for Yorkshire cloth but it will also help in environmental ways, like with carbon footprints." Kali Mountford Colne Valley MP adds: "It is so wonderful to see clothing that is created to a standard where they become works of art. We want to build on what is already here and encourage other businesses and educational institutions to join in and forge a design career right here."

With passion and true Yorkshire grit, their aspirations and those of the new business and apprentices they serve, will be realised.

Yorkshire Fashion Week will take place on Friday the 26th of June 2009, at the Galpharm Stadium in Huddersfield.

For more information on Yorkshire Fashion Week visit: Textile Training | Associate Parliamentary Group for Design and Innovation and the National Skills Forum | Rockwife |