visvim Visits the Outer Hebrides to Develop Latest Tweed Garments
Investigating the heritage of Harris Tweed.
Handwoven by the inhabitants of the Outer Hebrides off the coast of Scotland, Harris Tweed is sought after due to its resistant, thermal properties and rich history. Hand-woven tweed made its way to the upper echelons of British society in the 19th century, only to be endangered by surging market demands that precipitated mill-spun tweed production. In a bid to protect Harris Tweed authenticity, the Harris Tweed Association was established in 1993, enabling native Scottish crofters and cottars to continue a tradition rooted in the spinning and dying of pure virgin wool.
The move to preserve Harris Tweed as a hand-woven material from the Outer Hebrides runs parallel with the level of hereditary practices of craftsmanship passed down by generations of Japanese tailors. The appeal of Harris Tweed to a brand such as visvim is thus self-evident. Hiroki Nakamura’s label presents four pieces made from genuine Harris Tweed: the Dotera Coat, Hopiland Blazer, Nome P.O. Dress and Sanjuro Jacket. Watch the documentary below from visvim.tv for a brief vignette of the age-old manufacturing process.
