17 Jan 2001
The Harris Tweed industry was given a further boost today with the launch in Tokyo by Scotland Office Minister, Brian Wilson, of a new brochure in Japanese which extols the qualities of the product.
The brochure, which also carries a foreword by Mr Wilson, was launched at the third International Fashion Fair (IFF) in Tokyo which is being attended by 43 British companies. It is part of an intensive Government-backed campaign to promote the fabric in Japan, which has also included a series of seminars for the fashion industry throughout the country.
The new brochure outlines the history of Harris Tweed, the manufacturing process and developments in the fabric as well as its inclusion in the collections of many of Britain’s foremost designers, such as Vivienne Westwood, Paul Smith and John Galliano.
Speaking today, Mr Wilson said:
"Harris Tweed is attracting a lot of interest in Japan and I hope this brochure will further heighten its profile. While in Tokyo, I have seen a wide range of designer garments which use Harris Tweed and also a collection under its own label put together by the city’s leading department store. All of this reflects the marketing effort that has been going on.
"The inclusion of Harris Tweed in the collections of some of Britain’s leading designers confirms the versatility of the product. I have also been explaining how the industry is crucial to the well-being of small communities where Harris Tweed is woven, and all of this adds to the image and lustre of Harris Tweed as a premium product."
NOTES FOR EDITORS