A Yorkshire-based fashion brand, Butterfly Tree, has partnered with one of the world’s leading textile companies to launch its new royalty-inspired handbag range.
Renowned textile manufacturer, AW Hainsworth will supply the Leeds designer with the same premium woollen cloth that has previously been used to clothe royalty.
Established in 1783, AW Hainsworth secured a royal warrant to supply HM The Queen in 2004. The textile firm has also supplied fabric to the military and worked with several Hollywood blockbuster movies including the Harry Potter series, Titanic and most recently Oscar winning film, The Darkest Hour.
Founded in 2015 by part-time ballet-teacher Claire Shakespeare, Butterfly Tree will launch its new range of fashion accessories, named the Hainsworth Collection, in May 2018.
AW Hainsworth, based in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, is a seventh-generation family owned business and has been a market leader for more than 230 years.
Claire began Butterfly Tree at her kitchen table three years ago. She has since expanded the business, securing a partnership with national retailer, John Lewis and moving to larger premises to accommodate rapid growth.
Commenting on the collaboration with AW Hainsworth, founder of Butterfly Tree Claire Shakespeare said:
“I am absolutely delighted to be working with AW Hainsworth on my new collection. They will be the sole provider of fabric on this particular collection which I think really showcases British craftsmanship.
“Butterfly Tree bags are timeless and our values are very much in line with that of AW Hainsworth’s, which makes this collaboration really special. It’s a very exciting time for Butterfly Tree.
“The range is inspired by traditional designs with vibrant and modern colour choices. The bags are simple, clean and classical but they are also very practical for everyday use.”
Director of AW Hainsworth, Adam Hainsworth added:
“We’re thrilled that Butterfly Tree has decided to use our fabric to create its beautiful new range. The brand’s bags are a real reflection of the quality and elegance of our fabric and we’re so pleased to be able to support a fellow local Yorkshire business with strong British values.”
News of the partnership follows a recent award win for Butterfly Tree, which was named a winner at Leeds Beckett University’s Business Advantage Awards in March 2018.
