2008 News
Wool in Japanese trade celebrations
26 March 2008
2008 marks the 150th anniversary of trade relations between the UK and Japan.
The occasion will be celebrated with a season of cultural activities in Japan, and acknowledging the ongoing importance of the woollen apparel trade in this trading relationship, Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) will participate in the celebrations.
AWI has partnered with the Savile Row Bespoke Group to present two events this month to showcase the highest level of British tailoring. To commence the activities, AWI has also hosted a reception with the Tailors of Savile Row and the British Ambassador in Tokyo.
AWI General Manager, Pascal Senkoff, explains “Savile Row produces the world’s most respected bespoke tailoring, showcasing Australian Merino wool at its finest.
“AWI is proud to continue a strong relationship with the Savile Row tailors, which was established in the early 1800’s with the first trade of wool to England.
“We have recently commemorated 200 years of Australian wool trade to the UK with Savile Row and we are now pleased to be joining them again to support the 150th anniversary of trade between the UK and Japan.”.
Following this event the renowned London Cut exhibition which will be held at Isetan, Japan’s leading department store from the 19th of March 2008.
The exhibition creates a platform for promoting the elegant and eccentric craftsmanship of the elite tailors from the famous London Row bringing together modern suits cut specifically for the event with historical pieces selected from the archives of the great houses on Savile Row. The exhibition will present Savile Row suits that are cut and exquisitely styled from the finest Merino wool fabrics.
Mark Henderson, Chairman of Savile Row Bespoke and CEO of Gieves & Hawkes believes the strong link and longevity of the relationship between Japan and the UK comes from the Japanese consumer insistence on ever finer wool fabrics and fibre, and Savile Row’s ability to cut and style unique and beautiful Merino wool garments.
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Note: Savile Row’s relationship with Japan dates back to 1921 when the founding father of Savile Row, Henry Poole & Co dressed HIH Emperor Hirohito when the then Prince Imperial paid a state visit to London.