Fashion: You can't stop Pringle

Published on Monday 25 July 2011 10:01

THERE are few brands in the world where a mere glance at its signature logo means immediate recognition: the golden arches and it's McDonald's, five coloured, linked rings the Olympics, two Cs back to back and you instantly know it's Chanel.

&#149 Tilda Swinton has helped modernise Pringle ahead of the exhibition, which includes archive images

Similarly a row of elongated diamonds on any kind of knitwear - from socks to scarves, and every kind of twinset and pullover in between - can only be one thing: Pringle.

Along with tartan and the Saltire, the simple intarsia design, known today as the Argyle pattern, has become a Scottish icon and made Pringle an internationally recognised brand.

Which is why its archive of designs is the pot of gold at the end of the fashion rainbow for students of clothing design. And why the knitwear manufacturer's archive has now been turned into an exhibition of past design - and current innovation - which will be on display in Harvey Nichols from next week.

As well as including advertising campaigns of past and present, the exhibition of the Pringle Archive also includes static vintage designs that were developed during the brand's 196-year history, along with new and redesigned pieces by the students - which followers of fashion will be delighted to know can be bought.

Gordon Drummond, director of Harvey Nichols Edinburgh, says: "We are delighted to be showcasing the rich history of one of Scotland's most iconic brands and to highlight the importance of the Scottish textile industry and its contribution to international fashion.

"Harvey Nichols, as a company, is dedicated to supporting emerging British design talent and this project allows us to support the work of future fashion designers from Central Saint Martins.

"Hosting this exciting exhibition during the Edinburgh International Festival will maximise exposure for the brand within Edinburgh and offer a point of difference to both our existing customers and international visitors."

While Pringle might have been deemed somewhat uncool when its signature pattern was adopted by middle-aged male golfers and its twinsets by their wives, over the last decade it's been revamped, rebranded and rediscovered by the fashion pack, including being modelled by edgy Oscar-winning Scottish actress Tilda Swinton.

Scots-born Kim Winser was the first chief executive of the firm to tackle its old image, cutting links with golfer Nick Faldo almost the moment she got the job. That was when the company was sold by Dawson International to Hong Kong businessman Kenneth Fang.

No surprise then that she was awarded an honorary doctorate by Heriot-Watt University - which includes Scotland's textile college - for her contribution to the textile industry.

These days the company is run by CEO Benoit Duverger, who says the Archive Project with Central Saint Martins College students - of which the exhibition is just part - is "super important" to the brand. "It's just what Pringle should be, a seamless mix of past and future."

Certainly the fashion students have gained a lot through the experience according to their professor, Louise Wilson. "It has been a great experience for the students," she says.

A spokesman for the company adds: "The completion of a comprehensive archive and the development of future re-issues of iconic vintage styles as well as original Scottish manufacturing techniques will continue to enable Pringle of Scotland to celebrate its brand heritage for future decades."

&#149 The Pringle Archive Project 1815-2011 exhibition will be on at Harvey Nichols, St Andrew Square, from August 3 to 24. For details, call 0131-524 8388.