Mohair Mastery in Bradford
While in the UK for the Textile Exchange Conference, our Mohair South Africa team embarked on an inspiring journey to Bradford to explore the Seal International mill. Renowned for their mastery in natural fibre processing, including mohair, cashmere, alpaca, and camel, Seal International stands as a gem in the heart of the UK's textile heritage.
The art of mohair combing, a tradition passed down through generations of Seal's devoted local workforce, proved to be a captivating experience. Unlike other fibres, mohair requires specialised skills and intimate knowledge of machinery for a premium finished product.
We were privileged to witness the intricate process that transforms greasy mohair fibres into soft and luxurious mohair tops—a true testament to craftsmanship and dedication. Our sincere thanks to Phil Seal and the rest of the team for hosting us!
Before returning to London for the conference, we visited William Halstead's historic mill. With a 150-year legacy of weaving excellence, the mill has cultivated a unique expertise in this luxurious natural fibre. Mohair, renowned for its unparalleled lustre and softness, transcends being a mere material; it is an art form that demands intricate skills in warping, weaving, mending, dyeing, and finishing.
William Halstead has mastered this art and earned global acclaim as the 'Master of Mohair,' recognised by leading fashion houses, high-end tailors, and cloth merchants. The mill stands as a symbol of British excellence in worsted fabrics.
As we gathered around and leafed through fabric samples and admired swatch cards, it was plain to see why mohair holds a special place in the hearts of fashion connoisseurs worldwide. It’s beautiful hand feel, radiant lustre, and vibrant colours (reimagined for winter collections to make mohair truly trans-seasonal), finished with a sustainable RMS selvedge, leave an indelible mark.
Gratitude to William Halstead for hosting our Mohair South Africa team and sharing their inspiring finished fabrics with us.