HRH The Prince of Wales – who is currently the Patron of Campaign for Wool, recently hosted a dinner for key figures and insiders of the fashion and wool industries to celebrate the start of the inaugural Wool Conference at Dumfries House in East Ayrshire.
The Wool Conference sees the most prestigious international gathering of wool experts in the UK, and is organised by The Campaign for Wool and the International Wool Textile Organisation with support from UK retailer Marks & Spencer – notable attendees included Steve Rowe, CEO of M&S and supermodel David Gandy who is currently one of the faces of the retailer. The Prince of Wales and David Gandy happily posed together with both men dressed to impress; David Gandy wore a classic black tuxedo whilst Prince Charles wore a traditional Scottish kilt with a green velvet jacket.
At the Dumfries House Wool Conference, figures from across the wool supply chain including shepherds, farmers, designers, manufacturers and retailers attend to debate and analyse the issues facing the wool industry today and in the future.
One of the highlights of the Wool Conference, which include speeches from Prince Charles, Steve Rowe, fashion designer Sir Paul Smith and president of Conde Nast International Nicholas Coleridge CBE, is the signing of the world’s very first Wool Declaration by the four main wool producing countries. The Wool Declaration ensures a commitment to uphold the highest industrial, environmental, commercial and animal welfare standards throughout the wool trade sector.
The Campaign for Wool initiative was launched back in 2010 by The Prince of Wales after hearing about the low prices British farmers were being given for their wool. Emulating His Royal Highness’ passion for natural sustainability, The Campaign for Wool’s aim is to help expand the British and Commonwealth wool market and to promote the awareness of wool’s environmental benefits including the lower carbon emissions produced, increased safety benefits and biodegradable properties.
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