US president's wife Michelle Obama a fan of Linton Tweeds

By Elizabeth Broughton Last updated 12:00, Monday, 11 May 2009

An up-and-coming Asian designer has taken a Cumbrian fabric from the streets of Carlisle to the wardrobe of one of the world’s most influential women.  And it was yet another coup for Linton Tweeds, based on Shaddongate, as Michelle Obama stepped out in a white and black Linton tweed coat, specially created by Thai designer Thakoon.

The First Lady followed in the footsteps of fashion icon Victoria Beckham, who used a black Linton tweed with rubber yarn in her latest designer collection.  Designers have been battling to dress Mrs Obama since her husband, US President Barack Obama, took on the most powerful job in the world back in January.

Thakoon Panichgul, who unveiled his first Thakoon collection back in

2004, is growing in popularity with a high-powered fanbase that includes Mrs Obama alongside American actresses Demi Moore and Sarah Jessica Parker.

He ordered two Linton fabrics last year, a white tweed – used for Mrs Obama’s coat – and a pink tweed fabric, which was used to create a suit for the First Lady’s mother.Marian Robinson showcased the pink two-piece at her son-in-law’s inauguration.

Thakoon custom-made the outfits for both women, with Mrs Obama photographed wearing the knee-length coat as she stepped out hand in hand with President Obama for the start of the European Presidential tour.

Keith Walker, managing director of Linton Tweeds, said: “Thakoon selected two of our fabrics last year and we were thrilled when we were told they were using them for custom made items for Michelle Obama.

“Since then we have been waiting to hear that she has worn the garments and couldn’t have hoped for more prominent occasions than the Inauguration and the European tour.“We are delighted that such a prominent figure loves the garment designs of our customer ‘Thakoon’ and ultimately loves Linton fabrics!”

The Shaddongate Mill is no stranger to high-end fashion – it has been producing fabric for the collections since 1912, including the material for the very first Chanel suit.

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