Paisley is one of the many patterns and fabrics that The East India Company introduced to the world.

A design representing the Chaldean date palm and a popular theme in Indian art, it was used extensively on the Kashmir shawls The Company introduced to Europe.  Unable to meet demand, European woolen manufacturers were encouraged to copy them, but few could match the quality – apart from the weavers in Paisley, Scotland.

As Paisley became the new home of this once Eastern Design, the name of the town became synonymous with the pattern. The Company often introduced one culture to another,and would transport skills, patterns and manufacturing techniques around the world.  Changing the fabric of fashion for ever.