Roland Mouret calls on Theresa May to safeguard the jobs of foreign fashion workers

The returning star said London’s luxury fashion designers have an “obligation to protect” those who produce their designs 
Returning star Mouret urges May to protect foreign staff
Karen Dacre17 February 2017

Designer Roland Mouret has urged the Prime Minister to safeguard the jobs of the foreign workers who are the backbone of the British manufacturing industry.

Ahead of his first show in the capital for a decade, he said London’s luxury fashion designers have an “obligation to protect” those who produce their designs and that British fashion would “return to a dark age” if it is unable to protect home-grown manufacturing.

“The beauty of London fashion is its influence on production. One by one, we saved factories here,” he said. “We produce so much in Britain now. I hope Theresa May will understand. We have to take care of the people who work for us. They are part of the family.” There are fears within the fashion industry that potential restrictions on foreign factory workers and designers after Brexit could harm business.

Mouret, who founded his business in 1997, is among a group of British designers credited with building a luxury clothing production industry in the UK. “We have created a ‘Made in Britain’ movement which has strength,” he said. “It’s an astonishing achievement. We have created something which is more important than putting on a show.”

A recent study carried out by the UK Fashion and Textile Association predicted the number of workers employed by the British-made clothing sector would grow by nine per cent in the next five years, with predictions that up to 20,000 more jobs could be created by 2020. A report conducted by the British Fashion Council in 2015 also found a 65 per cent increase in the demand for UK-made high-end products over the next five years. This would support an additional 1,700 jobs across the UK.

For Mouret, 56, who begins a yearlong 20th anniversary celebration this coming Sunday, his return to the London catwalk is an opportunity to showcase the craftsmanship available on UK soil.

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While the French-born designer has previously chosen Paris Fashion Week to stage his biannual showcases, he is operates out of a head office in Mayfair’s Carlos Place. He will showcase his autumn/winter 2017 collection at the National Theatre on Sunday.

It will be attended by press and buyers from across the globe and is to be followed by a trunk show staged for loyal customers. The collection is to include reworked pieces from Mouret’s archives and new additions. “London women have changed, just like the city has changed,” he said.

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