Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Fashion & Style

Man’s favorite cloth, Harris Tweed, receives a Coat of Arms

By

This is big news in the menswear world. Like Super Bowl big. Well, if you nerd out on textiles as much as we do.

As you know we are huge fans of Harris Tweed. It’s the epitomy of the British gentleman in one single cloth. We assume this cloth smokes a pipe when the mill shuts down. It’s wool is most likely strengthened by wee drams of whiskey woven through every fiber.

Recommended Videos

Yesterday the iconic brand received the ultimate seal of approval from Lord Lyon King of Arms (no less!), Dr. Joseph Morrow QC (Queens Council) – a Grant of Arms.

Related: A Discussion with Harris Tweed

What exactly does this mean? We rang up the charismatic Norman MacDonald, chairman of the Harris Tweed Authority to hear more.

Sheep
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What exactly is a Grant of Arms?

Besides conferring prestige on the brand, it gives holders the ability to take action against unauthorized use of a Coat of Arms. (i.e. copycats).

What is the history of the Grant of Arms?

The Lord Lyon who has the responsibility for regulating heraldry and issuing new grants of arms gave the first Grant in 1672.

Nature
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How long did it take to secure the Grant of Arms?

The process of securing the Grant of Arms took just over 12 months to complete and was handled by Campbell Newell, a partner with intellectual property firm Marks & Clerk.

What does the arms look like?
The arms incorporate the elements of the Harris Tweed Authority’s logo with the motto, “Guardians of the Orb”, appearing on the Letters Patent. The Authority also uses the Gaelic phrase ‘Ughdarras a Chlo Hearaich’, which translates as ‘Trustee of Harris Tweed’.

What is next for the brand?

Today we are launching an new exhibition that tells the story of Harris Tweed. We have worked with the amazing photographer Ian Lawson who has expertly charted the people and places that are instrumental in the creation of this sought-after fabric in the Scottish Hebrides. There will also be a collection of Harris Tweed products and objects sourced from the weavers and designers. The exhibition will be officially opened by Patrick Grant, creative director of Saville Row’s Norton and Sons.

If you are in the UK check out the show at The Gallery, Rheged Centre, Penrith. The exhibit runs till May 15th.

Cator Sparks
Cator Sparks
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
Kith reimagines Birkenstock with braided clogs and a New York twist
Kith and Birkenstock elevate the Boston slip-on for the fall season
braided birkenstock boston clogs

Kith and Birkenstock are no strangers to working with one another. In fact, the two brands have produced chic and practical styles that have become fan-favorites fast. As part of Kith’s runway return, the label run by Ronnie Fieg introduced a series of collaborative footwear with numerous brands, including Adidas and Birkenstock. While Adidas’ collaboration sees various iterations of the Superstar sneaker, Birkenstock and Kith unveiled one design that’s sure to become a fall staple. A continuation of their previous London clog collaboration, the duo is now taking their braided details to the Boston silhouette for an equally stunning design. A stylish upgrade to the leisurely clog, this slip-on shoe is not your typical house slippers. 

Kith x Birkenstock returns with a new braided slip-on 

Read more
Favre-Leuba’s new Chief Chronograph is a retro racing revival
The Favre-Leuba Chief Chronograph returns in two stunning new editions
The Favre-Leuba Chief Chronograph, in two new colors

With a history dating back to 1737, Favre-Leuba is a Swiss manufacturer that has masterfully reignited its legacy with the breathtaking re-edition of the Chief Chronograph, a timepiece merging an intense bravado with contemporary refinement. Two more distinct hues have been added to the series — British Racing Green and Dune — a collection offering watch enthusiasts a rare opportunity to own a piece of horological history, reimagined for the modern wrist.

A dial brimming with character and vintage aesthetics

Read more
Parmigiani Fleurier opens first Asian boutique in Tokyo’s Ginza
Parmigiani Fleurier Plants Flag in Tokyo's Luxury Heart
Parmigiani Fleurier new Tokyo store

Parmigiani Fleurier has launched its first Asian boutique in Tokyo's Ginza district, establishing a flagship presence on the coveted Chuo-dori avenue while the broader watch industry remains cautious about expansion.
Located at 7-chome Chuo-dori in Tokyo's luxury shopping quarter, the boutique demonstrates the Swiss manufacturer's dedication to the Japanese market through its partnership with Art Gear Capital K.K., a leading watch distributor in Japan.
The store's weathered facade interacts beautifully with surrounding reflections, creating visibility and vibrant presence among Ginza's most celebrated retail destinations. Swiss design studio Atelier OÏ crafted the interior layout to work with the avenue's characteristic tall architecture, maximizing every space for fluid movement and vertical flow.
The boutique features two floors serving different purposes. The ground floor welcomes customers into a warm, minimalist environment with light wooden furniture and plush seating that creates a tranquil atmosphere. The upper floor provides private areas where collectors and enthusiasts can explore new collections and exceptional timepieces with personalized service.
Interior elements harmonize perfectly with Japanese cultural values, offering an immersive experience enhanced by soft lighting reminiscent of dawn, touches of architectural greenery, and guilloché patterns that represent the brand's distinctive aesthetic.
The Ginza opening reflects the shared values of authenticity and excellence between Parmigiani Fleurier and a region renowned for appreciating horological craftsmanship. The timing demonstrates the brand's confidence in long-term growth within the Japanese luxury market.
This expansion strengthens Parmigiani Fleurier's Asian presence, establishing a foundation for deeper relationships with discerning Japanese collectors who treasure Swiss expertise and manufacturing heritage.
The boutique is now open at 7-chome Chuo-dori, Ginza, Tokyo.

Read more