When pop sensation Billie Eilish took the stage at the 67th Grammy Awards, few noticed the tiny logo nestled on her iconic LA Dodgers cap. But for the team at Moon, a 188-year-old woollen mill tucked away in the Yorkshire town of Guiseley, it was an unforgettable moment of celebrity exposure on a global scale.
The cap, a collaboration between Moon and sports brand New Era, beamed the heritage British manufacturer’s name across the world during Eilish’s performance of her song “Birds of a Feather”. It was a tribute to her home city of Los Angeles, which has recently been besieged by devastating wildfires.
For Moon’s brand and product director Joe McCann, spotting the company’s logo on Eilish’s cap was an incredible surprise. “We didn’t get any heads up but of course we spotted it immediately and were like ‘Wow that’s incredible’,” he told the Guardian.
A Thriving Yorkshire Institution
While many may view traditional wool manufacturing as a dying trade, Moon is proof that it can still thrive in the modern era. Operating out of the same stone factory it was founded in nearly 200 years ago, the company has adapted and innovated to keep up with changing times and growing demand.
Moon handles the entire production process in-house, from raw wool to luxury fabric, catering to high-end fashion and interiors brands worldwide. Its client list boasts names like Ralph Lauren and now, unofficially, Billie Eilish.
“We do everything from start to finish here in Guiseley,” McCann explained. “We produce the yarn, we weave, and then we also finish, all on one site, which is very unique.”
The mill sources its wool from the UK, New Zealand and South Africa, transforming it into high-quality material using a combination of time-honored techniques and cutting-edge technology. It’s this fusion of tradition and innovation that has helped Moon endure for nearly two centuries.
Embracing Heritage and Innovation
Interest in Moon’s products has grown steadily as fashion and sports labels increasingly prioritize quality, heritage, and sustainability – all areas where wool excels. As McCann noted, “Tweed is one of the first performance fabrics for sportswear.”
But while Moon takes pride in its rich history, it refuses to rest on its laurels. “Our aim is always to push things on a little bit, not be scared of change and embrace innovation,” McCann said. It’s a mindset that has allowed the company to remain relevant and sought-after in an ever-changing market.
Sustainability has also been a key factor in Moon’s success, as wool is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable fiber that aligns with the growing eco-consciousness of consumers. “A cap like Billie is wearing of course will still be around for years to come and still look fantastic – it’s the perfect product for the modern era,” McCann pointed out.
An Unexpected Celebrity Endorsement
Eilish’s Grammys cap is set to take its place on Moon’s wall of celebrities, which already features stars like Liam Gallagher and Justin Bieber sporting the mill’s fabrics. It’s an impressive lineup for a company that has spent nearly 200 years quietly perfecting its craft in a small Yorkshire town.
For Moon, the exposure from Eilish’s unexpected endorsement is invaluable, showcasing the enduring appeal and versatility of British wool to a massive global audience. It’s a testament to the skill, dedication, and adaptability that have kept this historic mill going strong for 188 years – and counting.
As the fashion world increasingly values authenticity, quality, and sustainability, Moon is well-positioned to continue its legacy as a leader in luxury wool production. And with celebrity fans like Billie Eilish shining a spotlight on the brand, it seems the future is looking bright for this resilient Yorkshire institution.
