Posh Spice wows the catwalk with Cumbrian tweeds

By Elizabeth Broughton
Last updated 11:00, Saturday, 21 February 2009

A Carlisle fabric firm is celebrating after a superstar took its material from Cumbria to the catwalk

Victoria Beckham
Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham unveiled her latest collection in New York this week – and the iconic fabric of Linton Tweeds has made the cut.

The company received an order from Mrs Beckham last year, but had no idea whether the material would make the final collection.

And although representatives for the star declined to say which of the 23 looks in the collection the fabric had been used in, they did confirm that material from the Shaddongate mill had graced the catwalk.

A spokesperson said: “It has been used within the collection.” “It’s wonderful for Linton Tweeds and it’s wonderful for us because it’s a wonderful fabric.”

Keith Walker, managing director of Linton Tweeds, has just returned from showing the latest Linton fabrics in Paris. He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to find that our fabric was used in the collection – now lets hope they place a good production order.

“We’ve just been to Paris and our collection in general has been very well received. We’re delighted to find that at this time of economic turmoil elsewhere we look like we might do okay.”

The fashion icon showcased the autumn/winter 2009 garments – only the second collection she has designed – before the New York Fashion Week press in a suite at New York’s Waldorf Towers.

And, as with her first collection, it has been met with widespread critical acclaim.

In her latest designs the former Posh Spice has again shown a number of dresses, both short and full-length, but also a range of cape-style coats.

It is thought that the Linton fabric, black tweed with a rubber yarn through it, may have been used to create one of these.

The Shaddongate mill is no stranger to the catwalk – it has been producing fabric for the collections since 1912, including the material used for the very first Chanel suit.

Anyone wanting to dress themselves in Victoria Beckham’s designs had better get saving – the latest collection is expected to retail from £850 up to a high of £4,600 and £4,900 for the full-length, elaborate gowns she has created.

The full collection can be viewed online via the Vogue website at www.vogue.com.