British designer of Savile Row fame, Peter Johnston, will bring quality bespoke tailoring to luxury American specialty store, Saks Fifth Avenue this Autumn.

This unique partnership, announced at prestigious international trade show Pitti Uomo in Florence yesterday (Thursday 16 June, will introduce the Edinburgh-based designer's distinct made-to-measure clothing as well as shirts, handmade silk ties and accessories to the US market.

Saks Fifth Avenue selected Johnston after an extensive search for a designer who could bring traditional British tailoring with a modern interpretation of style to its customers, in response to the surge in demand for such products stateside.

Bringing the added benefit of using fabrics steeped in a luxury heritage such as the world-renowned tweed, and working with a number of Scottish mills including Begg Scotland, Johnstons of Elgin and Reid & Taylor to create his collections, Johnston was an ideal choice.

With an extensive career in the trade, the London Royal College of Art graduate currently operates a 'by appointment' business from his townhouse showrooms in Queen Street, Edinburgh. He will bring this added mystique in-store to Saks Fifth Avenue New York, as well as the Chicago and Washington D.C. (Chevy Chase) outlets, travelling over once a month for private appointments.

"Working in partnership with such an iconic luxury retailer, renowned the world over for its quality lines and collaborations is an amazing opportunity. I will be bringing my bespoke tailoring and highland wear to a new customer base and showcasing the quality tailoring skills and heritage fabrics the British are famous for" said Peter, the first British winner of the coveted Italian tailoring and design competition, the Aga D'Oro' (Golden Needle).

Johnston, who has worked for Savile Row tailors Kilgour and Chester Barrie as well as retailers Dunhill and Joseph continued: "Being able to work with some of the leading textiles manufacturers from Scotland will reinforce to Saks' American customers the quality craftsmanship they can expect from Scotland".

This new partnership adds to Johnston's growing international reputation which spans across the globe including his current partnership with Japanese clothing group, Onward Kashiyama. For the past six years Johnston has created classic tailored collections for discerning Japanese customers housed in six Isetan specialist menswear stores across the country.

David Breckenridge, chair of industry group Textiles Scotland, said: "Peter Johnston's partnership with one of the USA's leading specialty stores is a fantastic achievement, which can only benefit us all. The fact that discerning US customers have expressed a need and a want for tailored garments using quality fabrics can only lead to even more opportunities for Scottish mills and designers in this market.

"This is another prime example of the continuing global demand for Scottish textiles which heralds an exciting time for our industry."

About Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world's preeminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewellery, cosmetics and gifts, and the first-rate fashion expertise and exemplary client service of its Associates. Today, Saks operates 46 full-line stores in 22 states, 5 licensed stores in the Middle East and 2 licensed stores in Mexico City, 57 Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores and saks.com, the company's online store.

About Textiles Scotland

Textiles Scotland was established by the Scottish Textile Industry Association (STIA) to increase awareness of the scope and scale of businesses involved in the Scottish textiles and fashion industry. This brand has been created to represent Scottish interests at international events and provide a single point of contact for the industry.