To honor this first century milestone,
Pendleton Woolen Mills hosted a rededication at its
original mill in Pendleton, OR. It also announced its
year-long planned celebrations and the launch of commemorative apparel
and home collections for Fall 2009.
In addition, the company added to its Heritage Collection in the
mill's own exhibit to honor CMB Jr. (4th generation family member). It
features his personal collection of authentic American Indian
artifacts. For the centennial year the exhibit will now feature three
rare antique blankets on loan from Mark Pigott, PACCAR Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer.
Pendleton's introductions for fall 2009 include its Centennial
Collection, featuring contemporary interpretations of iconic street
wear for men and women. Also featured are new items honoring legendary
figures in Pendleton's history, the Jackson Sundown Western shirt and
the Roy Bishop fringed leather jacket.
Additionally, a collection of apparel and home products use the
special “Spirit of the Peoples” pattern created for the anniversary,
including a commemorative Indian Trade Blanket. Featured in the
womenswear collection are several jacquard coats, new skirt designs,
and a suede fringed shawl as well as accessory bags and boots.
The menswear collection features jacquard outerwear as well as
iconic designs such as the Harding Crew Shetland sweaters and outerwear.
The company will also release a special Holiday 2009 collection by
NBC's Today Show Animal Welfare Reporter Jill Rappaport. Her new
Pendleton by Jill Rappaport Collection of coats, status bags, and dog
products were designed using three antique Indian trade blanket
designs. Proceeds will benefit the American Indian College Fund and the
Jack & Jill Foundation, an affiliation with Tails of Home for
educating pet owners on medical advancements.
An admirer and collector of vintage Navajo and Pendleton Indian
blankets, Rappaport said, “Pendleton jacquards are all throughout my
home. I wanted to work these wonderful patterns into a collection with
fresh appeal for women everywhere, not just women like me who love
Western style.”
Reflecting on the history, Pendleton President Mort Bishop III said
at the Pendleton Mill event, “This is a time of both reflection of the
many stories, successes and challenges over the decades, as well as our
Pacific Northwest company's influence on American fashion and home
products. It is also a time to look ahead as we enter a new century for
our company. Wherever I go, I hear wonderful Pendleton stories. Our
challenge in the sixth generation is to engage a new generation of
consumers. We can only do this if we remain true to the values and
principles that have made the Pendleton lifestyle synonymous with
quality.”
He concluded with, “We are positioned well for the next 100 years
and look forward to continuing to design and weave not only the
American icon and treasure — the Indian trade blanket — but our full
collection of Pendleton womenswear, menswear and home products.”
