TV presenter Gabby Logan will wear a gown from wool cloth woven by historic Pudsey textile manufacturer Hainsworth when she is installed as chancellor at Leeds Trinity University.
The gown, devised by graduate designer Kate Duckworth, 23, who showcased her work at last year’s Yorkshire Wool Week, is made from barathea fabric produced at Hainsworth’s 230-year-old mill. It is lined with silk from Leeds silk specialist James Hare, while military tailor Samuel Brothers is working on the final cut.
Susan Gaunt, of the Sunny Bank Mills archive in Farsley, provided archive material symbolic of Leeds Trinity University’s history, while Leeds Industrial Museum provided Kate with a workspace to make the gown.
Kate said: “I’m really pleased to be making something truly ‘Yorkshire’. I love working with Yorkshire textiles. A lot of young designers are drawn to more modern fabrics but I have always wanted to incorporate Hainsworth fabric into my graduate collection. I am drawn to the wonderful feel, drape and texture.
“The gown is a stunning scarlet colour and I’ve given it a modern feel with soft draping details. As soon as I knew it was for Gabby Logan I adapted the design to make it more feminine and elegant.”
Tom Hainsworth, managing director of Hainsworth, said: “It’s an exciting time for us and we enjoy working with new designers.
“There is a genuine recognition of the strong heritage and quality of British fabric along with an interest in its history.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel