Fair Isle Knitwear Ltd
Company Description
Fair Isle Knitwear has been produced in Fair Isle, Scotland for more than 200 years, centuries-old skills passed from mother to daughter. But, where dozens of women once knitted into the night, only a few knitters remain on an isolated island still untouched by North Sea oil's influence on Shetland. Mati Ventrillon is one of those still crafting Fair Isle's spirit and soul into their garments. Each piece reflects this heritage. Inspired by tradition and crafted for life: the Mati Ventrillon brand aligns authentic Fair Isle knitwear traditions with Mati's journey and gives the brand its unique identity.
Describe the impact of your location on your business
Creating, running and growing a business from the remotest inhabited island in the UK has many challenges but nothing compares to the beauty of the landscape and the rich heritage. Fair Isle knitwear has been produced in the island continuously for 200 years, independently of the change in population thus, intrinsically connecting geography and skills.
What would you list as your biggest achievement(s)?
Becoming a Crafted UK alumni in 2012
Taking part in the Oxford Street Fashion Flags display as part of the Great campaign.
Taking part in Made for Tea exhibition at Fortnum and Mason and supplying them with tea cozies for two years.
Being recognised as the designer of a series of garments at Chanel Metier D’Art 2015 collection.
Starting Fair Isle Artisans in 2017
Company Website - www.mativentrillon.co.uk
Twitter - Mati Ventrillon
Facebook - Mati Ventrillon Fair Isle-Scotland
Instagram - fairisle_knitwear