With support from an international fashion designer, three Northern Ireland companies have developed original fabrics destined for the global fashion and activewear markets.

William Clark and Sons Maghera, Elastic Knitting (NI), Ballymena, and Crepe Weavers, Newtownards have launched a new brand and a range of original fabrics, called Modern Nomad. The three textiles companies are developing and marketing these original branded fabrics for the fast growing global activewear marketplace in a strategic alliance with Tyrone-born designer Sharon Wauchob.

An integral part of the Paris fashion scene, Ms Wauchob launched the range at the Tissu Premier exhibition in Lille on February 6. The exhibition is one of the main trade events for the European textiles industry.

The product design and brand marketing initiative, which is also being advised by textile marketing expert Robin Noakes from London, is being backed by the IDB and assisted by the Centre for Competitiveness.

Robert Francey, a Director of the Modern Nomad company, said: "The three participating local businesses are investing substantial resources in terms of management time and other resources including finance in a major investment project which is designed to create new market opportunities from the combination of their technologies, expertise and experience.

"Our objective is to build relationships with major international brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Prada Sport, Nike and Adidas and retail chains by offering them a broad range of original fabrics, both woven and knitted, with a completely different look and feel."

He said the tremendously exciting alliance would offer customers a comprehensive range of fabrics using natural and synthetic fibres for tough outdoor garments and sporty knits in Lycra to new denim themes in linen, cotton and synthetics and waterproof Tactel shell fabrics.

Lawson McDonald, IDB’s Acting Deputy Chief Executive, said that the imaginative project involved the formation of a strategic alliance, the development of a new brand and the focus on the unique and market-led products. All these, he said were, key recommendations in the Kurt Salmon Action Plan for the future of the local textiles and apparel industry.

Trade International supported the Modern Nomad display, the first by a Northern Ireland company, at Tissu Premier. (CG/SP)