Yorkshire-based UKFT member Hainsworth Signature Fabrics collaborates with Clarks Originals on new Wallabee shoes for AW24.

Scroll down to discover more about their new collaboration and the craftsmanship behind it.

AW Hainsworth is a renowned British fabric manufacturer and woollen mill, established in 1783 and based in West Yorkshire. Its division, Hainsworth Signature Fabrics, specialises in producing luxury textiles at the company’s fully integrated woollen mill, where every step of the process from raw wool to finished cloth is carried out on-site.

Hainsworth Signature Fabrics recently collaborated with Clarks to supply a soft pilot cloth wool material for Clarks Originals’ new Wallabee shoes in the Autumn/Winter 2024 collection. The shoes will be available in two colourways: camel and navy and will be sold in Clarks Originals retail stores, online and through a selection of third-party stockists.

Amanda McLaren, Managing Director at AW Hainsworth, says:

“It’s always an honour when brands and designers choose our fabrics, but it’s extra special to collaborate with other heritage brands that hold a special place in history. Like Hainsworth Speciality Fabrics, Clarks Originals Wallabees represent the look of iconic England. In addition to working with Clarks, we have many other exciting partnerships in the pipeline, which include our fabrics being featured on national television and in several West End theatre productions.”

The Wallabee shoe style was first created in 1967 and has since become an iconic footwear classic with a global following that spans generations and cultures.

A Clarks representative explains:

“Our Wallabee returns in soft camel and navy Pilot Cloth, wool courtesy of 240-year-old British textile mill, Hainsworth. A tactile, cosy addition to our new-season line-up, this pair honours Wallabee DNA with its classic crepe soles and waxy laces. We’ve topped it with three leather logo fobs, calling attention to Originals and Hainsworth in a celebration of design heritage.”   

The Woolmark Company and Royal Warrant Holder previously partnered with Clarks in 2012 to supply eye-catching red fabric for a Clarks classic desert boot special edition of the model inspired by the Beatles’ 1967 album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

Hainsworth Speciality Fabrics has also worked with Community Clothing, Dries Van Noten, Luke Derrick and Matty Bovan to craft fabrics for their fashion collections.

Designers, tailors and garment manufacturers across various industries choose Hainsworth Signature Fabric’s premium woollen textiles for both interiors and apparel, drawn by their exceptional craftsmanship and authentic British heritage.