BERNAT KLEIN

(b. 1922) Klein studied at the Bezalel Academy of Arts & Design in Jerusalem and then he studied textile technology at Leeds University. After working in woollen mills in Lancashire and Edinburgh, he set up his own mill in Galashiels, Scotland. In the early 1960s he launched a unique range of wool and mohair fabrics in vibrant colours.

The original fabrics ranges produced by Klein won the admiration of the Paris designers and fashion Houses of Dior, Chanel, Balenciaga, Cardin and St. Laurent and his fabrics regularly appeared in their seasonal shows.

In the 1970s and 1980s he brought his radical ranges to the ready to wear market by launching his own collections, using his now famous and colourful tweeds and light woollens’, rich velvet and jersey fabrics.

Diversifying his skills and talents into colour consultant and designer, he became internationally renowned. His distinctive style was very popular in Scandinavia, working with several firms in Norway, Sweden and Denmark; he won the Design Council Award in 1968.

Now in his 80s Bernat Klein still lives in the Scottish Borders.