Leeds boasts a rich history of fashion production and design, with roots deeply embedded in its textile industry. As a city known for its cotton and linen mills, Leeds grew and prospered, setting the stage for a future that would eventually intertwine with fashion. While early industrial efforts focused on textiles rather than couture, the city soon began embracing fashion trends. Here’s how Leeds became a part of the fashion world, as detailed on leedska.
Leeds: A Textile Powerhouse
In the 20th century, Leeds became a prominent name in British and global fashion. The burgeoning textile industry played a significant role, attracting Jewish migrants fleeing Eastern Europe. Many of these migrants, skilled in tailoring, settled in the city.
By the 1960s, 25% of the workforce and 50% of employed women in Leeds were engaged in the garment industry. Additionally, an impressive 60% of all suits sold in the UK were manufactured by Leeds-based companies.
Montague Burton is credited as the pioneer of retail in Leeds. His shops, with prominent glass storefronts and billiard rooms on the upper floors, were a defining feature of the city. Strategically located on street corners, these establishments set a new standard for retail.
The textile industry in Leeds eventually faced a downturn due to the greed of factory owners, who paid meagre wages to their workers. Women, in particular, were the most underpaid until the 1970s when widespread strikes forced a wage increase. However, these industrial actions significantly impacted the city’s economy, leading to the decline of the once-thriving northern textile industry.
Fashion in Modern Leeds
Although Leeds no longer enjoys the textile dominance it once did, the city remains a vibrant hub for fashion. Victorian shopping arcades in Leeds are now home to designer boutiques, local brands, and international fashion houses.
Some of the city’s popular shops include Strand, SpeedQueen, Hip Store, MKI, All Blues Co., Chimp, Welcome, Nicholas Deakins, and Second Store.
In terms of production, notable developments include Burberry relocating its trench coat factory to Holbeck and Hainsworth collaborating with Leeds Beckett University.
Fascinating Facts About Fashion
Fashion has always been a fickle and ever-changing industry. Below are some intriguing facts about its history:
- False Eyelashes
The first false eyelashes were made of human hair in 1916 for a producer named Griffith, who wanted to accentuate actress Seena Owen’s eyes. - Vintage Clothing
Clothes are classified as vintage only if they were created before 1920. - Square-Toed Shoes
This design originated with King Charles VIII of France, who had six toes on one foot and required custom footwear. - Hat Laws
Queen Elizabeth I loved hats so much that she mandated all women aged seven and above wear one on Sundays and holidays. Violators were fined. - Corset Craze
During the Victorian era, women wore tightly laced corsets to achieve an “hourglass” figure, sometimes breaking ribs in the process. - Sunglasses
The trend of wearing sunglasses began in the 1920s, when actors used them to protect their eyes from studio lighting. - Clothing Shortage
In the late 18th century, many Europeans owned only one change of clothing. - Pajamas in India
In India, men often wear pajamas as casual attire, a common practice in both urban and rural areas. - Lice-Stick Accessories
In the late 18th century, women with elaborate hairstyles used sticks decorated with gemstones to scratch their scalps and shoo away lice. - Open-Breast Attire in Korea
From the 17th to early 20th century, Korean traditional clothing featured open-breast designs, symbolising motherhood. - Pets as Fashion
In the Middle Ages, aristocrats carried small pets like dogs and cats. These animals served as living flea traps, as their higher body temperatures attracted parasites away from humans.
The history of fashion in Leeds reflects the city’s evolution from a textile powerhouse to a modern fashion destination. Its legacy lives on in the stylish boutiques and renowned brands that continue to shape the industry.