Johnstons of Elgin mixes retro with digital for 225th anniversary coat

By

Nigel TAYLOR

Published
Oct 31, 2022

Heritage Scottish brand Johnstons of Elgin is releasing a limited-edition Balmacaan coat in celebration of “225 years of manufacturing excellence”.

  
The cashmere and fine woollens manufacturer explored its 200-year-old archives for an authentic tweed with a contemporary aesthetic. Designers finally selected a 1919 pattern “which has been a source of inspiration for the Balmacaan coat” which takes its name from the Scottish estate near its Elgin mill. 

Johnstons of Elgin, which has held a Royal Warrant from now-King Charles III (from when he was Prince of Wales), for the supply of Estate Tweeds, said the coat will include a unique digital ID tag “that will allow customers to find out about their Balmacaan coat’s story”.

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Produced in conjunction with digital platform Eon, the tag contains information about fibre source and how to style and care for the coat.

Jenny Urquhart, Chairman, Johnstons of Elgin, said: “Initially made for those living and working on nearby estates, [the Balmacaan] 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."  

She added: “The Balmacaan Coat marries our heritage of Scottish origins and expertise in craftmanship with modernity. Inspired by our DNA from the last two centuries, this contemporary coat showcases our dedication to continual evolution and positions Johnstons of Elgin at the forefront of innovation.”  

In celebration of the brand's anniversary, it has also created a women’s Stewart Check Cape. An archive design in classic monochrome tones, the pattern is based on the Black and White Stewart tartan. The cape also includes the digital ID tag.
 
Retailing at £1,295, only 50 of the exclusive Balmacaan coats are available to purchase from Johnstons of Elgin stores and online. The Stewart Check cape will retail at £1,495 and is also be available in store and online.