Macclesfield silk makes historic return to the town

Macclesfield-made  silk, the textile on which the town’s fortune was founded, is  once again on sale in local shops.

Grosvenor Shopping Centre menswear store John Douglas has joined forces with a Macclesfield silk mill, which works with top international designers, to launch a new heritage range.

Hand-finished silk ties, based on vintage patterns,  along with handkerchiefs and scarves are now on sale at John Douglas, in the landmark Grade II listed building on Chestergate, at the entrance to the Grosvenor Centre.

The store is hoping to ride a wave of renewed interest in smart menswear and accessories, thanks to style icons such as footballer David Beckham, comedian Jimmy Carr and singer John Legend.

Silk production dates back in Macclesfield to the 1600s but until now no shops in the ancient Cheshire town sold locally made silk ties, explained David Johnson, who owns John Douglas with his brother Richard.

“The history of Macclesfield was built on silk and over the years I have watched the demise of the availability of Macclesfield products,” said David. “People asked me for them all the time.”

David spoke to old acquaintance  Ron Smart, owner of weaving and fabric printing firm RA Smart, to help bring back Macclesfield-made silk ties. The company supplies silk and finished silk products to Japan, USA, Korea and all over Europe and has come up with a new range for John Douglas.

Ron said: “They are based on traditional prints that we found in our archives and some from Macclesfield Museum so they are made with Macclesfield silk, to Macclesfield designs, in Macclesfield and that is important as this is the silk town.

“David has added his own details – such as bright tippings and other details – that bring them bang up to date.”

Grosvenor Shopping Centre manager Ed Kennedy, who admits he loves wearing silk ties, said: “Macclesfield is famous for its connection with the silk trade, and thousands visit the town every year to discover more about the town’s textile heritage.

“Being able to buy locally made silk ties and menswear accessories here at the Grosvenor Centre in John Douglas  – which is a landmark building in the town –  means visitors will be able to take a their own piece of Macclesfield history home with them.

“David and Ron are to be congratulated on their business skills in spotting this gap in the market and working together to launch the products.”

More men are now treating themselves to smart accessories such as ties, scarves and hankies, which also continue to top the list for presents, explained David.

“There will always be a need for a silk tie, even just for race days and weddings. I see the football pundits on the telly and these lads always wear a tie. The young gents these days look up to them.

“There is a huge resurgence at the moment in the strong heritage English brands, people are acknowledging and appreciating their history more than ever.

“It’s that great old story of what goes around, comes around, but each time with a bit of a different twist on it.

“That’s what I’ve done here to the ties. We’ve taken the classic Macclesfield designs but made them a bit more current and freshened them up.”

Ron established RA Smart in 1972 after four years working in Italy – the country he still credits with being the best in tie manufacture. Last year he sent four members of staff to Como in Italy to learn the secrets of silk manufacture at first hand.

RA Smart fabrics are used by well-known designers such as Matthew Williamson and Liberty’s of London for famous and even royal clients.

The company has also set up an apprenticeship scheme with Macclesfield College to encourage more young people into the trade that once made Macclesfield a thriving hub of the textile industry.

John Douglas was founded in 1964 by David and Richard’s father and now stocks designer brands such as Ted Baker, Henri Lloyd, Barbour and Fred Perry. The black and white half-timbered building has recently been given a revamp to create a more contemporary feel.

David hopes that this new collaboration with RA Smart will see their range of Macclesfield ties sold into top London stores such as Selfridges and Liberty, but for now the stock is flying off the shelves in the Grosvenor Centre.

The range is priced from £36 to £48 and the silk ties are aimed at all ages and styles – David describes the shop itself as serving ‘lads, dads and granddads’.

He said: “It’s a quirky building over eight different rooms so we can cater for all different ages. The idea is always to rise above the high street and be an oasis of quality. That comes from great customer service, knowing your products and knowing what your customer wants.”

Macclesfield’s Grosvenor Centre, open daily, is home to 36 stores from fashion, health and beauty to services and food and drink. More details at www.grosvenorshopping.co.uk