10/10/07
Yorkshire entrepreneurs are finalising their fashion collections
of “Country Cool” in readiness for their debut onto
the catwalk at this month’s Countryside Live.
Fun and frivolity from Boroughbridge
designer Alison McHamish of Eei-Eei-O, with models Isabelle
Mason, Nadar Musharbash and Tiffany Leonard
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For the first time, the popular event will feature fashion shows
in its line-up and stylish outdoor clothing is being showcased.
Now in its fifth year, Countryside Live is organised by the Yorkshire
Agricultural Society and is held at the Great Yorkshire Showground
in Harrogate on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 October. A great day
out for everyone with an interest in the countryside, it encapsulates
the best of the outside inside. Aimed at the whole family, 90 per
cent of the activity takes place indoors within the Yorkshire Event
Centre.
The fashion shows are being held three times each day, at 12noon,
1.30pm and 3pm under the title “Country Cool” and are
organised by Bernadette Gledhill of the Huddersfield-based Louise
Morton Model Agency. Adding fun and flamboyance will be the Yorkshire
celebrity florist and fashion enthusiast, Carl Wilde as the compere.
Originally from Castleford, Carl, is a regular face on television’s
GMTV and This Morning.
He said: “I have always been very interested in fashion – before
starting in floristry I had wanted to become a fashion designer.
Over the years I have also become increasingly interested in the
countryside and issues affecting the rural life – I always
try and buy Yorkshire produce and support local businesses.
“I am looking forward to Countryside Live and in particular,
seeing the range of country skills being demonstrated, as well
as doing some shopping!” said Carl, who now lives in Birstall,
Leeds.
Yorkshire entrepreneurs taking centre stage at the shows will be:
- Deerskin clothing presented by Holme Farmed Venison of Sherburn
in Elmet,
- Fun outfits for the young and young at heart from Eei-Eei-O
of Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire
- Innovative Climbing Wear from
godsrock, Huddersfield
- Silk and Wool scarves from The Shawl Stall,
York
- Luxurious lingerie from Bella di Notte of Helmsley
- Clothing
from countryside clothing brand Tottie of Bradford
In addition there are wacky wellies and colourful crocs from The
Sock Company and stunning and stylish casual wear from Joules.
The fashion shows are also organised in conjunction with the Textile
Centre of Excellence, Huddersfield.
See www.countrysidelive.co.uk for more details.
YORKSHIRE DESIGNERS
Holme Farmed Venison, Sherburn in Elmet
Farming entrepreneur Nigel Sampson decided to create a fashion
range after looking for a way to use the leather from his successful
venison business. With the help of wife Miranda, and his two daughters,
Nigel has designed a range of clothes and accessories using the
discarded deerskins.
“The impetus really came from Miranda. We had a few things
made for her – in particular a long skirt – and a lot
of people commented on it so we decided to start making a fashion
range, including long and short skirts, plus-twos and plus-fours,
leather jeans and the like.
“We are not producing high-fashion, but are aiming more for
more classic designs. The leather is extremely soft and wearable
and very high quality,” said Mr Sampson, whose North Yorkshire
venison business has seen a surge in sales of meat in recent years
after endorsement by celebrity chefs.
Eei-Eei-O of Boroughbridge
Former riding instructor Alison McHamish, launched a range of outdoor
clothing in October 2006 featuring her own animal drawings - it
had always been a dream to turn her doodles into a business. Alison
produces tee-shirts, polo shirts and sweatshirts, as well as baseball
caps and mugs – and all feature her characters Crackers the
Cat, Match the Pony and Daft Dog, based on her own Labrador Jasper.
“I launched Eei-Eei-O at this year’s Great Yorkshire
Show and it was a great success – its outdoorsy clothing
for girls, boys and the young at heart. It’s good quality
at a reasonable price,” said Alison.
Bella di Notte
Susan Johnson founded Bella di Notte with a quest in mind, to offer
beautiful thermal underwear using the highest quality natural fibres
available. Designed by Susan, in Helmsley, North Yorkshire and
made in Italy using the finest wool, silk and lace, she has certainly
proved that thermals don’t need to be frumpy, uncomfortable
and synthetic but fun, fashionable and feminine.
Being brought up on a North Yorkshire farm meant Susan was a vest
wearer from an early age. A trip to Italy and the chance discovery
of a range of stunning vests made from soft wool and pure silk
and Bella di Notte was born.
“One layer of good quality thermal underwear can replace
two bulky sweaters and make all the difference to staying warm
and feeling comfortable. Our customers buy thermals for everything
from skiing, working outdoors, walking the dog, working from home
or just wanting keep the heating bills down,” said Susan
who now counts celebrity clients among her customers including
fashionista Savannah Miller.
Susan’s now collection includes a whole range of thermal
and non thermal underwear vests as well as Italian made outerwear
and nightwear.
The Shawl Stall, York
It was while living on a meditation centre in southern India that
Chris Adby came upon his idea of importing silk and wool scarves.
With the help of wife Sheela (correct), Chris, of Skelton, York,
set up The Shawl Stall in York three years ago., Chris now travels
to shows around the North of England with his range of pure silk,
silk and wool and merino wool scarves.
“I have built up a reputation as a specialist in shawls and
scarves – most come from India but I also import them from
Thailand too. When I came back from India I brought 50 shawls with
me – I soon sold them and so the Shawl Stall was born,” said
Chris
Tottie of Bradford
Based at Wibsey, Bradford, Tottie started life as clothing for
polo players, but has developed into a successful leisurewear brand,
owned by Matchmakers International, and produces jeans, gilets,
tee-shirts and rugby shirts at affordable prices.
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