Harris Tweed: 100 Years of the Orb

Harris Tweed is celebrating a hundred years since an act of Parliament was passed to give every length of cloth handwoven in the Outer Hebrides a stamp with the official Orb trademark (accept no imitations!). So this March, The Harris Tweed Authority will be holding a catwalk show to celebrate the cloth "hand-spun, hand-woven and dyed by the crofters and cotters in the Outer Hebrides."

Co-organising the event and showing her new work within it, is Skinny favourite Judy R Clark, who often uses Harris Tweed in her designs. "I love the material; its textures, colours and patterns are beautiful as well as being strong and durable."

The fashion show will take place in the An Lanntair Arts Centre on Stornoway, on Saturday 12 March and will showcase the work of various designers who use the iconic fabric within their work and have been carefully selected by Judy and her team; these include Vivienne Westwood, Henry Holland, Iona Crawford, Joyce Paton, Walker and Slater amongst others, many of whom have created pieces especially for this fashion event. Irregular Choice will be supplying the footwear, with their 'can't touch this' design in black and gold to go with the garments.

"It's to give back to and involve the local community. The makers of the cloth don't really see the outcome or what people can do with it, this will give them the opportunity to do so," says Judy, on holding the fashion show on the Isle Of Lewis rather than a more central, accessible location.

As well as the catwalk show there will be an exhibition of Caroline Peacock's photography work which is based on the wild island landscape, its people and its weavers. There will also be music from one of Scotland's foremost Gaelic singers and performing artists Fiona Mackenzie, models from Colours agency and comedian Fred MacAulay acting as compere.

When asked if she was excited about the show Judy laughed, "Of course, although, really it's about welcoming home the Orb!" A sentiment that the community on the island will surely appreciate and well as enjoy.

See more shots from the accompanying photoshoot here and check out the a film made on the day below.

Harris Tweed Fashion Film from David Lemm on Vimeo.

Film - David Lemm

Music - Esperi
Styling - Alexandra Fiddes & Judy R Clark
Make up/Hair Styling - Victoria Watson
Model - Rosie at Colours
Garments - from a selection to be shown at the Harris Tweed event.