British fashion designer, Patrick Grant, has reignited Blackburn’s textile manufacturing industry with his new Community Clothing range and store in Blackburn town centre. Although historically Lancashire might have been at the heart of the British textile industry, this certainly hasn’t been the case in recent years, and this is what Grant’s innovative social enterprise is seeking to change. Launched in 2016 Grant is determined to make exceptional quality British clothing more affordable; "clothes we can all feel proud of." Not to mention the added benefits of job creation and the restoration of pride in the UK textile working community.
The first Community Clothing store opened in November in Blackburn which is also home to two of the factories in the Community Clothing co-operative, a network that now numbers seven manufacturers across England and Scotland. It offers a concise range of quality, staple, everyday garments for women and men, including jeans, a classic Harrington jacket, cotton twill raincoats and a range of knitwear.
"We believe that everyone should be able to buy exceptional quality British- made clothes, and to play their own part in sustaining and creating British jobs. Community Clothing will make British clothes affordable to all."
Grant adds “By designing with simple manufacturing in mind, these products can be sewn in the same premium fabrics and with the same quality as the best high-end designer clothes. And with our profits we will invest in programmes in those same communities where the factories are located. We will support skills training, personal development programmes and apprenticeships that help get people into skilled work in the textile and garment industry.”
Although Community Clothing have partnered with eBay, allowing customers to browse and buy the collection directly, we recommend calling in the Blackburn store for a quick coffee (or local favourite, a hot Vimto) and to have a chat to the team.
Don't miss the very first National Festival of Making being held in Blackburn 6-7 May.
This article featured in the 2017 Lancashire Visitor magazine which you can read below or order a copy here
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