The glittering ceremony, organised by the UK Fashion & Textile
Association (UKFT), celebrates excellence in international trade
ranging from sellers of vintage clothing to directional British brands;
from newcomers to giants with a long-established worldwide reputation
for selling overseas”.The two hopeful Scottish knitwear companies
are, Johnstons Cashmere in the Heritage category and knitwear
specialist Eribé in the Small Business category. This year, the awards
which are supported by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development
International SDI), received a record number of entries from across
the country ..A win this year would be a hat-trick for veteran
winner Eribé Knitwear Design who picked up the Small Business Award in
2009 and the Ethical Fashion Award in 2008. The company designs and
manufactures a wide range of contemporary knitwear for ladies and men
and also a selection of accessories. The potential of three in a row is
an exciting prospect according to Eribé’s proprietor and designer,
Rosemary Eribé: “It is fantastic to reach the final of the UKFT awards
for the third year in a row! Having picked up an award in 2008 and 2009
it would be a wonderful achievement to also win in 2010, although we
know we are up against some strong competition ..”We are
especially happy that all the hard work of our suppliers and hand
knitters, over the 24 years we’ve been in business, can be celebrated.
With their help we can continue to supply top quality knitwear to the
world.” ..Chair of the Scottish Textiles Industry Association and
managing director of woven cashmere manufacturing company, Begg of
Scotland, who are also in the running for an award, David Breckenridge
said: “From humble beginnings in Paisley, our products now grace the
world’s catwalks and have an international customer base. To make it in
to the final of these hotly contested awards is a fantastic achievement
for our company ..”Having three Scottish textiles companies
represented at these awards is testament to the continued hard work of
the industry here in Scotland. I hope all three of us can walk away
winners on the night.” ..Elgin-based Johnstons Cashmere, which has
been independently run since 1797, is a finalist in the Heritage
category. James Dracup, managing director of Johnstons Cashmere, said:
“Heritage and quality are at the core of our company. Johnstons is
committed to manufacturing in Scotland and delivering a textile product
that epitomises a ‘Made in Scotland’ label, I know that Scottish
designs and product are respected and sought after around the world.” ..Cathy
Black, head of textiles at Scottish Enterprise, added: “Winning a UKFT
award is one of the leading accolades for a fashion and textiles
company. Textiles Scotland is extremely well represented in this
competition and this just demonstrates the continued strength and
growth of this sector in Scotland, the UK and in international markets.
Let’s hope all three come out on top on the night.” ..The prize
list for this year’s UK Fashion Export Awards includes stands at Moda
Menswear in Birmingham, Prêt à Porter Paris, The Train New York, Mode
City Paris & Interfilière and Pure Accessories in London. Other
prizes include a subscription to WGSN.com and travel vouchers from
Textile Forum ..The judging panel, chaired by Steve Newbold,
managing director, Emap Connect, included Muriel Piaser, representing
Prêt à Porter Paris, Nick Cook of ITE Moda, Nicola Copping of the
Financial Times, Jessica Brown of Drapers and Dolly Jones of VOGUE.COM
UK .
Date:5/12/2010
Source:www.cotton247.com