Shifting stories: provenance and production in Scotland's fashion and textile SMEs.

Cross, Karen

Abstract

Scottish textile jobs support the prosperity of many rural communities (Textiles Scotland 2016), for example the Harris Tweed hand-weavers in the Outer Hebrides. Scotland's traditional tweeds and tartans, cashmere and woollens continue to survive today, largely through Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) producing luxury products with a focus on value rather than volume. Two workshops, Redesigning for creative recovery (20 Scottish SMEs) and Sustainable fashion and textiles in Scotland (4 presenters, 3 Scottish fashion and textile brands, a circular economy consultant and 55 participants), were held. The SME participants noted increased interest in provenance from some consumers, with details of material origin and authenticity being sought. Participants noted the increased ease of connection with other places and people, through participation in webinars and international trade events, which they normally could not afford to attend in time of time and costs. The opportunity to share their stories was deemed important.

Citation

CROSS, K. 2021. Shifting stories: provenance and production in Scotland's fashion and textile SMEs. Presented at the 2021 Responsible fashion event (Responsible Fashion 2021): can fashion save the world? 14 October 2021, [virtual event].

• Presentation Conference Type: Lecture
• Conference Name: 2021 Responsible fashion event (Responsible Fashion 2021): can fashion save the world?
• Conference Location: [virtual event]
• Start Date: Oct 14, 2021
• Deposit Date: May 16, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: May 16, 2024
• Keywords: Sustainable fashion; Scottish textiles; Rural communities; Small to medium enterprises (SMEs)
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1776945