HRH The Princess Royal visited Barrie Knitwear in Hawick on Thursday 31st March 2022, in her role as President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT).

Founded in 1903 in Hawick, in the heart of the Scottish Borders, Barrie is one of the oldest cashmere knitting factories in Scotland. The factory has gained international recognition for its exceptional standards and capacity for innovation. In 2021, Barrie was also the first UK knitwear factory to be a recipient of the Level I Global Organic Textile Standard classification, guaranteeing full respect of the environment through all stages of the production and transformation.

HRH The Princess Royal was given a guided tour of the knitwear factory to meet the key artisans responsible for knitting and assembly production, and discovered the innovative design and development process. HRH The Princess Royal also had the opportunity to meet current members of the Barrie Training Academy. Since 2012, Barrie has trained over 100 young professionals in all aspects of the knitwear technical manufacturing and operations.

Barrie is proof that contemporary luxury respects tradition and adapts to ever-changing fashions, much like the House of CHANEL which acquired Barrie in 2012. In 2014 Barrie launched its own eponymous brand. Since 2018, artistic director Augustin Dol-Maillot’s contemporary approach and finely-honed graphic vision have thrust Barrie into a whole new dimension with four collections of Ready-to-Wear and Fashion accessories every year.

Jan Young, Managing Director of Barrie, said: ‘’It was a great privilege to welcome HRH The Princess Royal, President of the UK Fashion and Textile Association, to Barrie. It was an honour to showcase our creativity and craftsmanship and present many members of our team. Building on over 100 years of tradition and expertise, we are proud to be part of the Scottish textile industry, employing over 260 people in Hawick and contributing to the local economy.’’

Nigel Lugg OBE, Chairman of UKFT, said: “We are delighted to introduce the UKFT President, HRH The Princess Royal, to Barrie Knitwear, which is a shining example of a Scottish textile manufacturer blending heritage with innovation. The company’s commitment to craftsmanship is great to see, as is its programme of investment for the future.”

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Barrie Knitwear is a UKFT member. Interested in UKFT membership? Find out more here.