London: Billie Eilish’s Grammy performance was marked by her hat featuring a logo commemorating Moon, a historic woollen mill in West Yorkshire. Moon’s enduring legacy and ties to the fashion industry highlight its resilience, as it continues to thrive amidst evolving trends and increasing demand for quality craftsmanship.

In a notable moment during the 67th Grammy Awards, Billie Eilish captured the attention of viewers not only for her performance but also for her choice of fashion. The singer donned a hat adorned with the branding of the Los Angeles Dodgers, but it was a much smaller emblem on the side that held significant meaning. This tiny logo featured two union flags alongside the word “Moon,” representing a storied textile firm from a small town in West Yorkshire, England.

Moon, which bills itself as one of the last “select few” surviving woollen mills in the UK, has a rich history marked by resilience and adaptation. Joe McCann, the brand and product director at Moon, noted the company’s thriving status, stating, “We’re one of a select few now,” highlighting the mill’s ongoing relevance in a rapidly evolving industry. The company’s longevity is further underscored by its enduring partnerships with high-end brands, notably Ralph Lauren, as well as a collaboration with the sports brand New Era, the latter of which created the hat worn by Eilish.

Speaking to The Guardian, McCann revealed that the team at Moon was thrilled to see their brand featured during Eilish’s live performance of “Birds of a Feather.” “We didn’t get any heads up,” he explained, “but of course we spotted it immediately and were like ‘wow that’s incredible.” This unanticipated exposure on a global stage underscores the mill’s interconnectedness with contemporary fashion and culture.

Despite not winning any awards at the ceremony, Eilish’s performance focused on the impact of the wildfires that devastated her home city, Los Angeles, earlier this year, resulting in significant loss of life and property. This poignant backdrop enhanced the emotional depth of her performance, capturing the attention of both fans and critics.

Featuring on display at Moon’s headquarters is a wall dedicated to celebrity endorsements, showcasing photographs of notable figures such as Liam Gallagher and Justin Bieber, all seen wearing clothing made from Moon fabric. The wall also proudly features images of distinguished events like the 2018 EU Summit, with world leaders seated on chairs crafted from Moon textiles, as well as a historic visit from King Charles in 2015.

Moon’s production process is rooted deep within its Guiseley home, a town historically embedded in the woollen industry, situated near Leeds and Bradford. Unlike many textile firms that outsource production to reduce costs, Moon prides itself on maintaining a fully integrated operation. “We do everything from start to finish here in Guiseley,” McCann stated. The mill processes wool sourced from the UK, New Zealand, and South Africa, utilising a labour-intensive method entrenched in tradition yet supported by modern advancements.

The origins of Moon trace back to the 19th century with its founder, entrepreneur Abraham Moon. While the machinery may now be more sophisticated than during the Victorian era, the core process remains unchanged, transforming raw undyed wool into luxurious fabric. McCann observed, “We produce the yarn, we weave, and then we also finish, all on one site, which is very unique.” The mill’s capabilities extend to the production of high-performance fabrics, with tweed recognised as one of the earliest examples of this category.

As the fashion world pivots towards quality and heritage, Moon has positioned itself strategically within the marketplace. McCann mentioned that the mill has experienced increasing demand from both fashion and sports labels that value craftsmanship and tradition. The pursuit of sustainability, with wool recognised as a natural fibre, further integrates into Moon’s ethos, driving innovation and change while honouring its legacy.

Source: Noah Wire Services