Alexander Walsh, Co-Founder of JustWears / Premium Underwear

With a history of working in the textiles industry and other manufacturing industries, Simon Cotton is proud to be currently heading up the most exciting company in the UK textile industry. Johnstons of Elgin partner with most of the world's top luxury fashion brands as well as produce under their own label. The company is a truly vertical producer taking raw fibre through to finished product, allowing them to achieve the very highest quality for the most discerning customers across the world.

Johnstons of Elgin has over two hundred years of tradition and experience in textile manufacturing. Since 1797 the company has produced the finest woven products from the finest of fibres. The original mill, on the banks of the river Lossie in the historic town of Elgin, remains the headquarters of their renowned brand. From luxurious cashmere scarves and throws, to historic Estate tweed, the experience and craftsmanship rooted in their history has been passed down the generations. Visitors to the mill see experienced craftsmen producing luxury pieces using traditional methods. Their knitwear mill in Hawick, in the Borders, sits in the heart of the Scottish knitting industry. An important part of the local community for over thirty years, the long history of knitwear production in that part of Scotland, ensures their knitted garments are made with the utmost skill and expertise. A unique family business with tradition and heritage at its core, Johnstons of Elgin promises to continue pushing the boundaries of textile and knitwear manufacturing, while always remaining true to its history.
In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we interview Johnstons of Elgin CEO, Simon Cotton, about the company's manufacturing as a private label to luxury brands as well as their own brand. Best known as a manufacturer, they've been establishing their own brand name with brick and mortar store openings and a focus on digital over recent years. Our host Peter Brooker and Simon discuss how cashmere is produced, the day-to-day of a Chief Executive, the benefits of holding a royal warrant and how the current global Coronavirus pandemic has affected their retail and manufacturing operations.
Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff.

Support the show