Pearl Company Spey Unveils Bespoke Tartan in Silk and Wool
Washington, DC (PRWEB) December 08, 2016 -- Spey Co. announces the launch of the Spey tartan, a traditional check celebrating the signature craftsmanship of the company. The bespoke tartan pays homage to the pastoral country estates dotted throughout Speyside and along the River Spey – the company’s namesake – wherein resides a critically endangered species of Scottish freshwater pearl mussel. Proceeds from the sale of each tartan benefit this threatened environment.
The first release of the Spey tartan has been handwoven by artisan weavers in Scotland in two expressions: a classic silk scarf and a traditional shepherd’s plaid in wool. The scarf is made of the purest silk in a dense twill weave with a lusciously smooth touch that is ideal for draping. The scarf is finished at either end with a combed fringe, blending impeccably well with both elegant and casual tailoring.
The 100 percent wool expression takes as its muse the traditional shepherd’s plaid, which offered Scottish hill farmers protection from the elements and helped them carry lost lambs back to the fold. Culminating in a purled fringe at either end, the length of the substantial 12-foot wrap is finished with a distinctive 'natural' no-hem selvedge from wool yarns that are never cut.
The tartan marks the first time Spey has expanded beyond their craftsman collection of fine pearl jewelry. The company, which has a cult following among Washington’s diplomats and Society belles, also has the makings of a luxury goods empire; heirloom quality leather accessories and a signature fragrance are in the pipeline for release in 2017.
“We are thrilled to add our name to the Scottish Register of Tartans and to bring a decadent new textile to market,” says Spey founding chief executive Paul Ashe. “Our customer has always been a confident, elegant woman. Dorothy Parker famously quipped, ‘When I'm cold, I just put another rope of pearls on.’ Now to keep warm, the Spey woman may enjoy another rope of pearls and an exquisite wrap, too.”
Here’s to a lustrously cozy holiday season.
The Campaign
Spey tapped acclaimed pianist Jason Solounias to bring the Spey tartan to life. Shot on-location at The Hay-Adams historic property and hotel by photographer Andrew Noh, the campaign captures the artistic patronage and stylish heritage iconic of the Spey brand. Mr. Solounias, a distinguished and multidimensional musician, performs across the United States and Europe, from the Kennedy Center to Southwark Cathedral.
The River Spey
Spey takes its name from the River Spey that courses through the Scottish Highlands. In homage to this inheritance, Spey supports campaigns that educate and empower local Scots to care for the river – home to a perilously threatened species of freshwater pearl mussel. Conservationists suggest that over the last decade, mussel populations within the river have halved. The mussel, a UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority species, is a valuable indicator of water quality and river health.
Spey Co.
Spey is a matter of both style and State, festooning the most powerful women in the world in spectacular pieces of fine pearl jewelry. As a DC-based luxury goods company, Spey takes pride not only in the craftsmanship of American design, but also in a commitment to the arts and environment. Each pearl purchased supports a better and more beautiful Washington, DC. That is the Spey legacy of life with luster.
For custom designs or to shop the collection: http://www.spey.com.
Paul Ashe, Spey, https://www.spey.com/, +1 (202) 763-9410, [email protected]
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