Edge o’ Beyond gets visit from HRH The Princess Royal for 11th anniversary
Luxury lingerie brand Edge o’ Beyond recently welcomed HRH The Princess Royal, or Princess Anne as she is perhaps better known, to its South Wales atelier to mark the brand’s 11th anniversary.
The Princess Royal, who has served as President of the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) for more than 40 years, toured the atelier and met the Edge o’ Beyond team, observing the cutting, sewing and product development processes that underpin the brand’s distinctive jewellery-adorned lingerie.
Edge o’ Beyond, which was founded in 2014 by designer Naomi De Haan, is London-based but employs a team of highly skilled machinists, cutters, and product developers at the atelier in New Tredegar, Caerphilly, Wales, which was once the home of lingerie production for iconic brands including Gossard and Agent Provocateur.
De Haan, who is also the brand’s Creative Director, is a proud champion of ethical, UK-based production. said: "It was an immense honour to welcome Her Royal Highness to our atelier. Her deep understanding of the fashion and textile industry and her genuine curiosity were inspiring for our whole team."
UK garment manufacturing has been in steep decline for many years, so Edge o’ Beyond’s set up is becoming rare. Its production model means it is able to refine samples "until the fit is flawless" for all sizes from AA and XS to H and XXXL.
De Haan added: "This visit is recognition of the exceptional skills of our technicians, and a celebration of keeping British lingerie craftsmanship alive."
Wales has an important, but often overlooked, place in lingerie history. For decades world class lingerie, including the legendary Wonderbra, was made in the Valleys before the industry was largely moved offshore.
Edge o’ Beyond is "dedicated to reviving this tradition" and ensuring that such exceptional skills remain rooted in the area.
"