Good enough for Coco, Posh enough for Spice

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The world famous Linton Tweeds, is just a 5 minute walk from Steed's Shop in Carlisle & has been gracing the catwalks once again.

Linton Tweeds fabrics are of the highest quality, all of them being designed and woven at the mill here in Carlisle. They are textured, novelty woven fabrics made with virtually all yarn types and weaving techniques. Unique fancy yarns sourced from all over the world are combined to produce sumptuous, elegant fancy tweeds suitable for ladies jackets, skirts and coats.

Linton Tweeds have been designers and manufacturers of these innovative, high-quality fabrics for the womens-wear fashion industry since 1912 and are renowned as the original fabric makers for Chanel.

The History ofLinton Tweeds Limited.... 1912 – 2008

In 1912 Scotsman William Linton started Linton Mill in the Caldewgate area of Carlisle, a small city situated close to the Scottish border and near the famous Lake District.

Initially Linton employed two salesmen with ponies and traps who travelled the Lake District buying wool and selling woollen suit lengths. William Linton's great friend, Captain Molyneux, was a Parisian couturier who in the 1920's introduced him to a dynamic young lady called Coco Chanel. This began an association which has flourished over the years resulting in the house of Chanel, being Linton's biggest and most prestigious customer.

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As the years rolled on, the name of Linton became synonymous with good quality, their exquisitely designed cloths were shown often on the Paris catwalks. This led to massive business with America - the Americans being keen to reproduce the outfits shown in the Paris couture houses and in the authentic Linton fabrics.

From Coco in the 20's to Posh in the present day Linton's has stood the test of time in the world of fashion.

Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham unveiled her latest collection in New York this week and chose Linton Tweeds to be part of her collection.

The company received an order from Mrs Beckham last year, but had no idea whether the material would make the final collection.

And although representatives for the star declined to say which of the 23 looks in the collection the fabric had been used in, they did confirm that material from the Shaddongate mill had graced the catwalk.

The fashion icon showcased the autumn/winter 2009 garments – only the second collection she has designed – before the New York Fashion Week press in a suite at New York’s Waldorf Towers.

And, as with her first collection, it has been met with widespread critical acclaim.

In her latest designs the former Posh Spice has again shown a number of dresses, both short and full-length, but also a range of cape-style coats.

It is thought that the Linton fabric, black tweed with a rubber yarn through it, may have been used to create one of these.

The Shaddongate mill is no stranger to the catwalk – it has been producing fabric for the collections since 1912, including the material used for the very first Chanel suit.
Anyone wanting to dress themselves in Victoria Beckham’s designs, the latest collection is expected to retail from £850 up to a high of £4,600 and £4,900 for the full-length, elaborate gowns she has created.

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