Retail Trade > HFW Huddersfield

HFW Huddersfield

Huddersfield, UK

HFW Huddersfield is the leading manufacturer and supplier of quality cloth incorporating names holding Royal warrants such as J & J Minnis and John G Hardy. Each are very important companies in the high-value suitings, dealing with all the top Italian, French and Japanese fashion houses such as Prada, Armani, Givenchy Kiton, Lanvin, Boss, Nina Ricci and Chanel, to name but a few.

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John G Hardy

Almost 100 years ago John G Hardy founded the company, which today holds the undisputed position of market leader for the supply of elegant country fabrics. The founder, being something of an eccentric gentleman, became well known for, having collected his fabric samples, returning to London with them stacked under his top hat. He was one of the first cloth merchants to visit the Scottish Highlands and Islands and claimed to have introduced Shetland and Harris Tweed cloths to the major markets of the world.

In 1929 the Duke of York, who was to become His Majesty King George VI, used a John G Hardy cloth for the regimental Tweed of the Brigade of Guards. He was the Colonel in Chief of the regiment and the cloth consisted of Black and White with Royal Blue and Crimson colouration.

The company is privileged to hold Royal Warrants, which were granted in the mid 1930s for the supply of Balmoral Tweed fabrics to the Royal Household.

By 1958 the company had acquired control of Milbank, Leaman and Company in the USA, subsequently changing the name of its American division to Milbank Hardy Inc.. Originally the company’s product base was predominately heavyweight Tweed fabrics and whilst today’s range still includes the world famous heavyweight Tweed ‘Alsport’, the only similarity to their predecessor’s line is the retention of a country theme with classic elegance.

For the discerning purchaser John G Hardy offers a vast array of lightweight trouserings and jacketings for all occasions. Based in Yorkshire, the heart of the UK textile industry, the company enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the world’s foremost cloth houses with its fabrics being sold in over 50 countries throughout the world.

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J & J Minnis

History records that J & J Minnis was founded in 1874 by Mr. James Egbert Minnis, the infant business being located at 40, Warwick Street, London W1. The following ten years saw the business relocate to larger premises at 37 Glasshouse Street, London W1 and also the partnership with Mr John Minnis being formed, thereby bringing a true definition to the company of J & J Minnis.

By 1901 London’s Savile Row was firmly established as the world’s most prestigious street for gentlemen’s clothing and during the early part of 1902 J & J Minnis had taken up residence at 16 Savile Row where they were to spend sixty four prosperous years.

In 1906 the company acquired a Russian Director as it developed a large trade with the Russian Imperial Court and, in particular, the tailors to the aristocracy. This trade flourished until the revolution of 1917.

By 1919 J & J Minnis was developing a growing reputation in Japan for its luxury fabrics and fine designs. It is widely believed that J & J Minnis was the first London cloth merchant to introduce Savile Row quality cloth into the Japanese market.

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Kirkheaton Mills, Kirkheaton, Huddersfield, HD5 0NS

T +44 (0)1484 451044, F +44 (0)1484 514296, E info@hfw-huddersfield.com

Registered office: 98 Kirkstall Road, Leeds, LS3 1YN.
Registered in England No: 5348417

London Office/Showroom 62
Berwick Street, London, W1F 8SU. T +44 (0)20 7437 1425


www.hfw-huddersfield.co.uk