The
design team recently embarked on a trip to Como, Northern Italy where most of
the silk weaving mills for the neckwear industry are based. Silk weaving in Como
can be dated back as early as the 1400’s and the cultivation of mulberry trees
there as far as the 10th Century. Today 91% of the silk produced in Europe
comes from Italy and of that 79% is coming out of Como.
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| A sea of coloured silk yarn options |
After
months of researching, sketching and developing ideas we work very closely with
the mills to realise our collection. Here around 40% of our silks are
woven exclusively to our designs - the balance is created in England.
In
Como we work with a small variety of specialist, high quality weavers, each
mill has its individual 'signature' - which gives us a broader palette
with which to work. Some of which have a heritage of nearly 150 years and who
use the most fascinating and unique 100 year old looms.
An extremely unique and beautiful 100 year old weaving loom
This
trip we were working on the new SS15 collection which will be launched in June
and in the stores early next year - we work in the future! Amongst other things,
we are developing exciting new print techniques for ties, beautiful super
lightweight cottons for bandanas and scarves and, very excitingly, a special
cotton & silk warp from which we will produce just 450
limited edition ties - watch this space.
.JPG) |
| The design teams new favourite - watch out for this beautiful elegant tie! |
Occasionally
on these trips we have a little respite from our hard, focussed work - this
time we had the rare privilege of being invited by one of our generous
suppliers for a wonderful lunch at the exclusive lakeside Canottieri
Rowing Club, a spectacular Italian modernist building designed in the
early '30s ……..a sparkling white minimalist architectural gem - the food
and wine were rather good too!
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| A panoramic view of Lake Como from the Canottieri Rowing Club |
