Flexible Fashion: PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND

Pringle of Scotland is a luxury knitwear manufacturer and importer.

"Robert Pringle established 'Pringle of Scotland' in 1815 in the Scottish Borders but none of the company’s knitwear production takes place today at their factory in Hawick they do not manufacture any of their garments as they are out-sourced to other knitwear factories. Initially the company simply produced hosiery and underwear but Pringle have been producing cashmere since as early as 1870. Otto Weisz was appointed as the first full-time designer in the knitwear industry in 1934. The twinset and the signature Argyle pattern were designed under Weisz's creative direction, which became very popular with several celebrities and screen stars including Jean Simmons, Brigitte Bardot and Grace Kelly.

In 1967, 'Pringle of Scotland' was acquired by Joseph Dawson (Holdings) Limited, who were later renamed Dawson International Plc. The company pursued an international expansion program in the early 1990’s; however, they were forced to cut back on many stores and franchisees due to their overly rapid expansion strategy.

Throughout the 1980’s and 90’s leisure and sportswear played a key role within the 'Pringle of Scotland' brand with top British golf players including Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie being sponsored by the group. It was during the early to mid 80's that Pringle become a household name on the football terraces and still holds a nostalgic place in the heart of the casual movement. In 2000 the brand was bought by Hong Kong-based S.C. Fang & Sons Company, Ltd. Despite its slightly vulnerable position, Pringle gained a fresh lease of life in the new millennium under the leadership of newly appointed chief executive Kim Winser, formerly of Marks and Spencer, and a brand vision and strategy was put in place to re-establish 'Pringle of Scotland' as an international luxury fashion retailer." Wikipedia

PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND MEN'S RTW SPRING 2012

Alistair Carr the new creative director of Pringle of Scotland expressed his thinking of duality applied to this latest collection for men. This collection was not as the traditional ones, rather more adventurous fashion design visible in men clothing.

For his debut runway show as design director, Alistair Carr took Pringle into sportier territory, fragmenting the argyle weave for sweater vests, mixing paper-thin leather and knitwear for jackets and shorts, and fashioning “twin sets” out of coats with linings that matched models’ T-shirts.