I’m delighted to share an interview with Pascal Gautrand of Made in Town, a friend and consultant who specializes in artisanal fabrics in France and is deeply involved in supporting the French wool industry.
Pascal wears many hats in the industry, bridging designers and producers with his passion and expertise. He is the driving force behind Le Pastoral Project, which highlights the significance of wool through a collection of yarns and textiles made in France. This initiative collaborates with farmers across the country to ensure that every step of the textile production process – from sourcing wool to washing, combing, spinning, dyeing, and weaving – all take place in France, which is no easy feat.
During our conversation, Pascal delves into the history of French wool and discusses the various shifts that have contributed to the decline of the industry here. Today, only 3% of our textiles are made using wool, with the majority being synthetic. Pascal shares both his deep understanding of this vulnerable craft and the main challenges to preserving it. It's a fascinating interview and I hope you enjoy.