Yorkshire textiles role in new Prince’s range

The Prince of Wales collection features a new version of the iconic grey and blue check cloth in a range of garments and accessories to be launched later this year.

The company said it will donate at least £100,000 from sales to the youth charity to help disadvantaged young people into work, education or training.

The collection uses cloth sourced from mills such as Fox Brothers, Lovat and Bradford-based William Halstead.

It includes bow-ties, ties and scarves, alongside a wool cashmere suit, a holdall, trilby hat and wool throw, all featuring the special Hackett/Prince’s Trust label.

Jeremy Hackett, chairman and co-founder, said: “Hackett has long been a fan of the sartorial style of the Princes of Wales past and present and the Prince of Wales Check has long been associated with Hackett tailoring, so this collaboration is a perfect association.

“With this initiative, we are proud to be able to support The Prince’s Trust in its tireless efforts on behalf of disadvantaged young people.”

Martina Milburn, chief executive at The Prince’s Trust, added: “The Prince’s Trust aims to help 55,000 young people this year and needs to raise £1m a week to make this possible.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Hackett London to give more of Britain’s young people the chance to fulfil their potential.”

The check was first worn by Edward VII, but became internationally famous thanks to the Duke of Windsor.

William Halstead is based at Stanley Mills in Dudley Hill, Bradford, and was founded in 1875.

It designs and weaves some of the world’s finest speciality mohairs and fine worsteds for leading international fashion houses. SIL Holdings acquired the company in 2006.

Meanwhile, Paul Smith’s new line, the British Collection, launched this month using fabric from Bradford’s Joseph H Clissold, underlines the appeal of Yorkshire’s textiles industry.

Sir Paul told the FT: “The mill is able to weave bespoke fabrics designed in-house with great versatility.”