Designer weaves in US tie-up

A SCOTTISH designer is taking his bespoke tailoring skills to America in a partnership with luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue.

Peter Johnston, who operates a "by appointment" business from his showroom in Edinburgh's Queen Street, will cross the Atlantic every month to meet customers at the famous stores in New York, Chicago and Washington, DC.

He said the partnership, announced at a Florence fashion show this week, was "an amazing opportunity".

"It will be bringing my bespoke tailoring and highland wear to a new customer base and showcase the quality tailoring skills and heritage fabrics the British are famous for," he said.

The designer's distinct made-to-measure clothing uses a variety of Scottish fabrics including tweed, and it is hoped the US partnership will give a boost to the country's specialist textile manufacturers.

David Breckenridge, chair of industry group Textiles Scotland, said: "Peter Johnston's partnership with one of the US's leading speciality stores is a fantastic achievement, which can only benefit us all.

"The fact that discerning US customers have expressed a need and a want for tailored garments using quality fabrics can only lead to even more opportunities for Scottish mills and designers in this market.

"This is another prime example of the continuing global demand for Scottish textiles which heralds an exciting time for our industry."

Johnston works with a number of Scottish mills including Begg Scotland, Johnstons of Elgin and Reid & Taylor.