Feature: Handmade tweed money spinner for island communities

Harris Tweed took center stage at London Fashion Week this week, while figures released Tuesday reveal the famous cloth is a real money spinner, earning 15.5 million U.S. dollars last year for Scotland's Outer Hebrides island.

Harris Tweed is in the limelight thanks to a revived love affair among fashion designers in Britain for the luxury hand-woven fabric.

The sought-after cloth, which is produced on hand looms by just 175 weavers on two islands off the coast of Scotland, took pride of place at Dover House in Whitehall on Monday to mark sustained global production growth over the past seven years.

Once synonymous with 'Miss Marple', the traditionally-dressed fictional detective character, Harris Tweed has become a high fashion must-have with many of the world's leading fashion houses vying for the fabric as a staple of their fall and winter collections.

It is in demand across the world, from China to North America, with the market having grown exponentially over the past two years, said the Harris Tweed Authority.

Production of the unique and legally protected hand-woven cloth soared to 1.7 million meters in 2015, the authority announced.

British designer Margaret Howell, who has a long affiliation with the fabric, said: "I feel an empathy with Harris Tweed. Weaving on hand looms creates a depth and complexity of texture that can't be imitated by a mechanical process. The resilient wool, the designs in earthy colours, reflect the landscape, the climate and the skills of the local people who produce it. I've always been attracted by its authenticity, and chose Harris Tweed when designing my first winter jacket and overcoat. I've used it ever since."

The renewed affection for the fabric is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the island's weavers, the work of the mills, and the Harris Tweed Authority who work tirelessly to protect what is an iconic industry.

It has been produced for centuries, initially by crofters (farmers) in the harsh climate of the Hebridean islands of northern Scotland.

Harris Tweed Authority chairman, Norman Macdonald said: "We are so proud to see the cloth, which is hand-woven at the homes of just 175 weavers on the islands of Lewis and Harris, transformed into stunning collections which are shown on catwalks of the world's fashion capitals."

"With the industry now estimated to be worth nearly 11 million pounds(15.28 million U.S. dollars), it plays a significant role, not only for employment on the Hebridean islands, but also the industry's contribution to both Scotland and UK economies."

Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell said: "Harris Tweed is a beautiful product -- close to its heritage and geographic roots, yet setting trends right across the world."

The tweed is made using hand spun, hand woven virgin wool, with even the dying process unique to the Hebrides, giving the cloth its traditional texture and colors. Endit