LOCKDOWN LEADER: Johnstons of Elgin
Johnstons of Elgin is a Great British success story; part of the literal weave and weft of notable Scottish history. Since 1797, they have been producing the finest woollen and cashmere cloth in this part of the world, “working with the colours of the countryside,” to turn out “traditional tweeds and tartans [that] reflect the natural palette of the Scottish landscape.”
After bringing raw fibre to its mill on the banks of the River Lossie, Elgin, they clean and soften it the purest Scottish spring water, spinning, weaving and knitting via what it says is the “only vertical process of its kind in Scotland”, drawing inspiration for their garments from Scottish antiquity, while “celebrating the skills of our own craftspeople and generations of herding communities from Mongolia, China, Afghanistan, Australia and Peru”. So revered are they, they hold a Royal Warrant of Appointment to supply Estate Tweed to HRH Prince of Wales.
Among their beautiful wovens and knitwear is a new design, sure to reward them with even more admirers. Johnstons’ new, limited edition Rainbow Cashmere scarf celebrates the work of the NHS angels who put themselves in the frontline of the Corona pandemic every day. The rainbow, of course, has become a symbol of hope throughout the global crisis, and a mark of appreciation for the UK’s healthcare workers; Johnstons says they searched through thousands of shades in their extensive library to find the “perfect, fresh hues to inspire positivity”. Based on their iconic ombré design, and employing “innovative Jacquard technology,” the ultra-soft scarf is “warm and lustrous, like a hug in colour.”
For every Rainbow Scarf sold, Johnstons will donate £100 to NHS Charities Together, an umbrella collective of some 250 charities supporting the NHS, volunteers and patients. Buyers have the option to personalise it, and can chose to add up to three letters of embroidery, free of charge. “Our Rainbow Scarf will to bring an optimistic splash of colour to your wardrobe and lift your spirits,” they say, “in addition to supporting a great cause.”