The benefit of this digitisation means that Huddersfield Textiles can work with anyone looking to source quality
fabrics — from individual makers to brands and tailoring houses alike — and customers aren’t limited by travel
restrictions. It was this ease of collaboration that enabled us at The Rake to create our summer collection of The
Rake Tailored Garments. Using fine Irish linens and wool gabardines, the collection was received incredibly well,
and resulted in a second drop with iterations in style as well as new cloths being introduced. “Our yarns boast an
extra-long staple, which allows for better draping. Due to the softness of the water here, when used in the
finishing process it creates colours that are vivid and accurate to the initial design. Essentially, it allows us to
create extremely beautiful and colourful luxury collections.”
In the current collection of The Rake Tailored Garments, all the fabric is woven in Britain — the Irish linen is from
Northern Ireland, and the wool gabardine is made in Huddersfield town. This collection needed to be vibrant, to
evoke a sense of celebration as we return to form and to travelling once again. “Every cloth selected was focused
around the word ‘drape’. We wanted to make sure the fabrics chosen would look incredible on any and every customer
that wore them. The cloths need to perform, and they need to be of a high-quality otherwise the concept would never
have worked.”
Huddersfield Textiles used the quieter time through lockdown to create a 3D Suit Visualiser, BeSuited, which allows
tailors to continue working in an online, socially distanced, capacity — essentially pandemic proofing their trade.
BeSuited is due to be launched in June, and will be offered to industry professionals for free. In addition to this,
they also have an on-site bespoke tailoring side of the business, Jacob Brian. By paying supreme attention to detail
whilst using the latest technology to craft to the premium standard that you’d expect from cloth specialists, this
all-in-one solution is a great option for potential clients.
Through lockdown, there was a growing desire to make an occasion of the simpler things. Our community championed
formal attire indoors through the #RakesAtHome Instagram series, which continues to today. However, as restrictions
begin to ease, there’s optimism that this decade may result in a second coming of the Roaring Twenties. In which
case, it’s important to look your best as black tie season finally comes around. One of Huddersfield Textiles’ new
collections is aptly titled ‘Tux & Tartans’, and was created especially for weddings and events that require
something particularly special. With an extensive range of velvets, tartans, mohair and more, Sachdev says, “when
the moment is right, everyone will want to dress their sharpest. That’s why we created one of the most formal
collections to date, in a brand new way.”
If the last year has taught us anything, it’s that things we often took for granted need to be ceased and appreciated
now more than ever. With every morning comes a new opportunity, and with every new opportunity comes a chance to
look your best — ideally in a suit made from Huddersfield’s finest.
