WU_PJ-Mag Spring Summer 2026_FINAL - Flipbook - Page 113
S/S 2026
In the quaint Scottish towns of Elgin and Hawick, Johnstons of
Elgin, one of the world’s most revered textile houses, continues its
work much as it has for over two centuries – expertly, and without
compromise. Within its historic mills, the 昀椀nest natural 昀椀bers are
transformed into a full range of men’s and women’s clothing
designed to complement every season, from sleek cashmere
stoles and lightweight merino tanks to timeless wool coats and
sumptuous knitwear.
In an age where “a rich heritage” is often
synonymous with its textiles as
little more than a marketing gimmick,
Scotland. Whether it’s Tartan,
Johnstons of Elgin o昀昀ers the real deal:
Tweed, Argyle, Fair Isle or Paisley,
authentic luxury rooted in place, patience,
and genuine mastery. But how has a textile
making fabric is culturally signi昀椀cant
Garvald Gardens near the
Johnstons of Elgin mill.
for Scots. The Scottish landscape
house founded in 1797 remained so quietly
also leaves its mark on our collections.
in昀氀uential in the high-end fashion world
Tweeds are directly inspired by the colors
today? We sat down with Johnstons of
and textures of the countryside, while our
Elgin’s CEO, Chris Ga昀昀ney, to 昀椀nd out.
cashmeres are often intricate mélange
blends showcasing layered tones that echo
THE LAND BEHIND THE CRAFT
To understand Johnstons of Elgin, one
must 昀椀rst look to the land that shaped
it. Scotland’s relationship with textiles is
nature. Even the rivers running beside the
mills play a key part, as the soft Scottish
water is ideally suited to washing and
There probably isn’t another
country so synonymous with its
textiles as Scotland. Whether
it’s Tartan, Tweed, Argyle, Fair
Isle or Paisley, making fabric is
culturally significant for Scots
milling cashmere.”
woven into the country’s cultural identity
To this day, every stage of bringing a
through patterns and fabrics recognized
Johnstons of Elgin piece to life – from
the world over. As Chris explains, “There
design to dyeing, teasing, spinning, and
It is this impeccable craftsmanship that truly
probably isn’t another country so
embroidery – takes place at one of the
de昀椀nes Johnstons of Elgin. The process
company’s two Scottish mills. When asked
of creating each garment is meticulous,
why, Chris explained that the decision is
remarkably complex and, despite utilizing
guided by three key principles: “The 昀椀rst
leading technology, still decidedly human.
is our community ethos and the desire to
Chris notes with pride, “The human senses are
have a positive impact in the places that are
a vital part of what we do. Our highly skilled
special to us. The second is about trust and
team continues to use touch, sight, and more
credibility. As a luxury brand, we want to be
than two centuries’ worth of knowledge in
fully in control of what we make and sell, and
ways that no machine can replicate.”
by taking raw 昀椀ber all the way through to
The result is artistry that unfolds thoughtfully
the 昀椀nished product, we can assure quality
The tweed fabric inspired by the
colors and texture of the countryside.
CRAFT WITHOUT COMPROMISE
and intentionally, with as many as 37 pairs
in a way others just can’t. And the third is
of expert hands working on a single jumper
craftsmanship. These communities have
or cardigan before it’s ready to be worn and
built up unrivaled skills and deep knowledge
loved. Far removed from the pace of modern
of the craft over generations, so this is a
fast fashion, the process ensures garments
great place to make luxury items.”
are made not to last a season, but a lifetime.
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