Wrap Yourself In British Textile History
In a unique collaboration, shoemaker LANX is working with a Lancashire textile mill to produce a beautiful woollen scarf with the distinctive black and orange LANX heel tab
Ribble Valley based LANX has become renowned for super-stylish ‘proper’ shoes – hand-made and built to last. However, the team at LANX has recently embarked on a number of local collaborations elevating their collection to the next level.
Designed to keep you warm and comfortable through the winter months, LANX has created a scarf that is more than just an accessory – it’s a piece of heritage 200 years in the making.
LANX founder Marco Vaghetti (Marv) is working with local, family-run County Brook Mill, which has made the scarves with 100 per cent pure British and Merino wool. Testament to British craftsmanship, the scarves are made using traditional weaving methods and high-quality materials that ensure every thread is as luxurious as it is durable.
County Brook’s mill is located in the countryside of Foulridge, Colne and has been owned and operated by four generations of the Mitchell family since 1907, with their principles not changing since their humble beginnings. The name County Brook Mill comes from the brook which once fed the mighty water wheel, powering more than 400 looms at its peak in 1936.
“LANX are proud to be working with another fantastic local manufacturer. County Brook has been championing the textile industry for over 200 years right here in Lancashire, so working alongside them on our new scarf collection was a no-brainer,” explains Marv.
For LANX the process starts when the yarn reaches the mill. County Brook has spent hundreds of years perfecting the formula of which yarn to use for each component of the textiles they produce.
Their team weaves the yarn into cloth using the modern equivalent of a traditional loom. These state-of-the-art machines use the same processes as their historic equipment, with the added bonuses of manufacturing accuracy, efficiency and the capability to weave textiles of multiple colours, fibres and densities.
The cloth then undergoes a ‘finishing’ process, where it is washed, cleaned, dried and treated. After an inspection to ensure every metre is of the highest standards, the rolls of textile are cut down to size and embellished with the labels and the distinctive black and orange LANX heel tab. The resulting product is something to be proud of – a scarf made of the finest quality wool, designed to keep you comfortable and looking sharp throughout the cold months.
LANX scarves use a combination of pure wools to ensure both comfort and quality. The warp (the vertical threads) is a Pennine British wool. This extremely versatile material is ideal for scarves as its natural crimp and elasticity remain within the fibres despite constant wear, while its ability to trap air makes it a great insulator.
The weft (the horizontal threads) is made of a Mariola Merino wool. Its fine fibres make it extremely soft to the touch while retaining its durability, ensuring the scarf stays comfortable. Merino wool is also renowned for being breathable, antibacterial and easy to maintain.
If treated correctly, these scarves will reward the wearer with many years of comfort.
Like their shoes, LANX has kept it local and has aptly named the scarves Salterforth, after the area local to County Brook’s mill. You can buy online or pop into the Whalley store to see them in person. They are available in four beautiful colourways – grey, brown, green and navy.
