Johnstons of Elgin is releasing a limited-edition coat using a pattern first seen in 1919 and complete with a digital ID tag as the company celebrates 225 years of manufacturing.
The Moray mill dived into its 200-year old archives to look for an authentic tweed and plumped for the 1919 pattern called the Balmacaan, whose digital ID will allow customers to find out about their coat’s story.
Historic check
The Balmacaan takes its name from the Scottish estate near the Elgin mill. It was developed by a wealthy American industrialist in the early 1800s, who commissioned his tailor to design a coat which would keep him warm and dry in a Scottish winter.
The design was worn by the Prince of Wales, later Edward VIII and Duke of Windsor.
Johnstons worked with digital ID platform, Eon, to produce the tag, which will also contain information about its fibre source as well as how to style and care for it.
The digital ID is sewn into the coat and customers can access information by scanning the QR Code.
The digital ID concept was launched in 2021 as part of the Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) which was launched by then Prince of Wales – now King Charles III.
The program aims to provide traceability and circularity on a large scale.
This will be the first time Johnstons of Elgin has introduced the technology to its range.
Johnstons of Elgin holds a Royal Warrant of appointment to King Charles III, when he was Prince of Wales, for the supply of estate tweeds.
The warrants King Charles issued as the Duke of Rothesay/Prince of Wales will continue now he is King as they go with the household, not the title.
Tweed from Elgin
Tweed forms a significant part of Johnstons of Elgin heritage and the tweed coat, woven in the Elgin mill, is made from 100% wool, which has been processed, dyed and spun in the UK.
Chairwoman Jenny Urquhart said: “We have produced tweed since the 1840s. Initially made for those living and working on nearby estates, it has become a versatile wardrobe staple with broad appeal.
“For our milestone 225th birthday we were keen to use this fabric, while always remaining inspired by our surrounding landscape for colour.”
To celebrate its anniversary, Johnstons has also created a woman’s Stewart check cape. An archive design in monochrome tones, the pattern is based on the black and white Stewart tartan.
Made with Johnstons Donegal yarn, the cape also includes the digital ID tag, allowing customers to watch the making of the Stewart check cape.
Johnstons chief executive Chris Gaffney added: “This year gives us an opportunity to celebrate how far we have come over the last two centuries.
Buy less, wear more”
Johnstons chief executive Chris Gaffney
“We know the level of skill and craftsmanship that goes into each and every one of our products, but it is also especially important to us that our customers understand this special journey and therefore we are launching a new digital ID to the Balmacaan coat and the Stewart check cape.
“This will also be featured across a selection of products from our range next year, helping customers to form a deeper connection to our products and enable them to make more informed decisions as a result – buy less, wear more.”
Retailing at £1,295, only 50 Balmacaan coats will be available to purchase from Johnstons of Elgin stores and online from the end of October.
The cape will retail at £1,495 and will also be available in store and online.
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