It’s common knowledge that there is a difference between fashion and style. Fashion is something that people are interested in right now but may not be interested in when we skip forward in time. It might be 10 years before a fashion dies out, it might only be a matter of weeks or months but nevertheless fashion is to put it bluntly, a fad. Style, on the other hand, is something that will always be popular. A good example of this is the Mini Cooper and another good example is a well-tailored Harris tweed jacket. People will want something stylish for the rest of time.
I’m Harry Bakewell, head of graphics, photography and social media at retweed. I’m part of a three man team who have recently started a website selling vintage tweed jackets at affordable prices. We are all students and one Saturday afternoon, while socialising, we got onto the topic of vintage clothing. We all liked the tweed jackets, brogues and other vintage clothing because it could be worn by people of all ages and would always be stylish. The problem for us was that it was so expensive to buy. Any high street retailer sells replicas for £60-£80 and many of the vintage shops or those selling the originals were charging £40-£60 for a Harris tweed jacket which for a student isn’t affordable. We didn’t think any more of the subject and forgot about it. Well, the rest of us had forgotten about it, Nathan Marshall & Carl Willimott hadn’t though. They had both thought about it significantly after our conversation and decided that they could source some vintage clothing and then sell it to me and our friends, who couldn’t afford the shops prices. This went well and the whole of our friend group ended up wearing tweed jackets to almost every occasion. After the success of this venture they did some research into how popular this clothing was on a countrywide scale and the results were unanimous. People liked vintage.
I was then added to the team to take photos and do any design work, I then offered to do the social media side of the business. Between us, we had a good skill set to go out and make a business to help get vintage clothing out to the people who loved it but just couldn’t afford it. retweed was born.
Our mission is to find out what vintage clothing people want, source this clothing and then sell it to them for a price that is affordable. So if you are reading this and there is something missing from your wardrobe then let us know and we will try to help.
Check out our website www.retweed.co.uk and let us know what you think. We are due to be adding more Harris tweed, Levi jeans, Levi’s womens shorts, Barbour jackets and more as soon as possible so follow us @retweed_cnk to get the latest updates. Thanks for reading.
I grew up in rural Norfolk so in my head British fashion to me means Tweed caps, Knitwear jumpers, wellies and gilets – A typically British, country look. More and more iconic British looks are progressing on to our high streets and catwalks.
Knitwear
We Brits love our Knitwear, and rightly so with the winter have just had. What is better than throwing on your favourite chunky knitwear sweater or cardigan and curling up in front of a log fire, reading a good book? British Knitwear became well known when Henry Poole & Co opened up shop in 1806 to clothe the armed forces for the battle of Waterloo. However it wasn’t until after World War One that wool really came into its own in the UK with women’s fashion changing to a more androgynous style. Since then Wool has been a staple in the British fashion world and is often featured on catwalks worldwide.
Tweed
Tweed has to be one of my favourite materials. Everything from the way it’s made to its debonair look. Tweed adds a bit of country infused glamour to any outfit. It has been modernised by many a Brand and there are literally hundreds of styles out there and more than enough colours to fit to any outfit. Tweed originated in Scotland in the 18th century as a heavier, warmer material for the chilly Scottish weather. Its use became synonymous throughout the 19th century with outerwear for the privileged while hunting. Tweed is a typically British, from its colour to its thickness it breathes British into every outfit.
British fashion is about the way something is created not just the style. Many of our fashion choices were made through the necessity for hard wearing and warm materials but it is through impeccable workmanship that these old school beauties have been able to take pride of place in our ever growing British fashion portfolios.
Tweed making video
<p><a href=”http://vimeo.com/59717582″>Behind The Tweed – Jigsaw Spring Summer 2013</a> from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/insidejigsaw”>Jigsaw</a> on <a href=”http://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>
Author Bio:
Written by Leslie Harding on behalf of Jigsaw who create and sell beautifully British knitwear and tweed items. All images provided by Jigsaw.
A wax jacket is the perfect way to stay stylish and dry. This jacket is perfect to add a touch of individuality to this very British style. Black wax with a black corduroy collar and warm cotton lining. It is designed and made in England. available at www.tweedvixen.co.uk
Hooded Top with matching camisole, available in Teal or Purple Was £30 Now £20. Designed and made in England.
Available at TweedVixen Boutique
British fashion is about elegance and tradition; classic pieces that are glamorous yet practical, contemporary but still firmly connected to our roots.
We’re always on the lookout for new fashion offerings in the UK, and one of our favourites combines the talents of one Britain’s newest young designers with historic bags, handmade in historic workshops in Cumbria.
The most interesting handbag designs will combine functionality with style, adding in a bit of ‘wow factor’ along the way. We think Sophie Hulme’s designs for Chapman Bags do just that. The Rydal collection of ladies’ bags was inspired by the majestic beauty of the Lake District’s natural scenery, and the poet William Wordsworth who resided at Rydal Mount.
Crafted of British dyed and proofed 24oz canvas and fine leather, each of the three bags in this range are available in Tan and Navy colourways and feature British cast hardware and parachute webbing straps.
The Joanna is a generous and stylish tote with matching lining, leather trimmed interior zip pocket and protective domed metal feet.
The Lucy is a versatile bag that can be carried by hand or on the shoulder, with ample leather trim and panels.
The smallest bag in the range, the Ruth Satchel is available in tan and leather or full leather specifications.
Chapman Bags are hand cut and sewn to order using high quality natural materials such as tweed, leather and canvas. In addition to handbags, you’ll find a range of refined tweed bags including classic holdalls, briefcases and totes.
Sonia Moran is an avid fashionista and lover of the great outdoors. She is also an accountant and enjoys writing about a variety of British style topics.
The TweedVixen Boutique has it covered if you want to stay cosy and stylish in this freezing weather…
Last Sunday the express had this great article on tweed.
Picture,Tinie Tempah www.express.co.uk
Read the article here…
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/370506/Tweed-is-now-fine-for-dandies
GET THE LOOK
100% Lambswool Sweater Red Spice. Made in Scotland Was £65 now £45
Wax Quilt Gilet Black. Made in England Was £49.50 now £35
Get The Look!
Ruby Top – Made in England, Was £50 NOW £35
Black Wax Jacket – Made in England, Was £125 NOW £80
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