Latest news with #MacLeod
Edmonton Journal
3 days ago
- Edmonton Journal
Canadian man who disappeared after going swimming in Mexico washes up dead
Article content Ankele has been missing since Sunday, Mexican publication Milenio reported. Search and rescue efforts began later that evening. The beach is a well-known surfing spot, per travel website Lonely Planet's review of the location. 'Nonsurfers beware: the waters here have a lethal undertow and are not safe for the boardless, or beginner surfers either,' the site warns. According to authorities, Zicatela is not suitable for swimming, 'especially during swells, which cause dangerous currents and waves up to three meters high,' local publication El Tiempo reported. In a statement to National Post, Global Affairs Canada spokesperson Charlotte MacLeod said the agency 'is aware of the death of a Canadian citizen in Mexico' and 'extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.' 'Consular officials are in contact with local authorities and are providing consular assistance,' said MacLeod, adding that no more information can be disclosed at this time due to privacy considerations. On May 26, Puerto Escondido Lifeguards said there were two people missing at sea in a social media post. They cautioned beach-goers against walking along Zicatela Beach and said to avoid getting into the water. Videos shared by the account on Instagram showed white-capped waves slamming down onto the shore.
The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Tweed makes a stylish comeback: Classic fabric, but with modern fashion vibes
"When you see tweed on the runway, you don't expect it to come from here," joked 38-year-old former banker Alexander MacLeod as he set up his loom in a converted barn on the shores of a Scottish loch. MacLeod became a weaver two years ago, joining residents on the islands of Lewis and Harris, off Scotland's northwest coast, in helping to rejuvenate the tweed industry after a significant period of decline. "It's a good thing to keep the tradition going," he said. Tweed is a symbol of Scottish heritage and has "always been part of the culture" on the Outer Hebrides, added Macleod, who hails from the island of Scalpay, which is connected to Harris by a bridge. It's now "an attractive sector to be in", he explained. He left the Hebrides for seven years to work in banking but the pull of his roots proved too strong. During the day, McLeod now works for a small local cosmetics company. In the evenings, he puts on a podcast, usually about espionage, and patiently begins to weave. Only the steady hum of his machine disturbs the calm of the old stone barn. Harris tweed, traditionally made from 100 percent wool, is the only fabric protected by a 1993 Act of Parliament. It must be "handwoven by the islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides, finished in the Outer Hebrides, and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides". Read more: Malaysian fashion designers laud Unesco's official recognition of the kebaya 'Resurgence' The weaver spoke of his "satisfaction" once the tweed is finished. The fabric, once associated with the British aristocracy, then goes to the spinning mill for a quality control check, where the slightest flaw is flagged up. Finally, it receives the precious "Harris Tweed" stamp – a globe topped with a cross – certifying the fabric's provenance and authenticity, issued by the Harris Tweed Authority (HTA). The tweed then leaves the island to be purchased by discerning companies abroad, including luxury brands such as Christian Dior, Chanel, and Gucci. Several sneaker brands such as Nike, New Balance, and Converse have also used it for limited edition products. The traditional staples are jackets, caps, and bags, but the fabric can also used for furniture. There are 140 weavers, according to the HTA, which launched a recruitment campaign in 2023 and offered workshops to learn the trade following a wave of retirements. This know-how, often passed down from generation to generation, is now being nurtured by a different profile of weaver. "It's nice to see younger people coming in," said Kelly MacDonald, director of operations at the HTA. "When I joined the industry 22 years ago, there was a severe period of decline. I was wondering: 'Is there going to be an industry anymore?'" But the industry is now enjoying a "resurgence" and "significant growth", with more than 580,000 metres of tweed produced in 2024. "We are always looking at new markets," she explained, and tweed is now exported to Korea, Japan, Germany, France and other countries. It is no longer dependent on the US market, as it once was, and should be largely shielded from the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Read more: Malaysian fashion designer Fern Chua talks about her 10-year journey with batik Slow fashion Tweed has "modernised", said Cameron MacArthur, who works at Carloway Mill, one of the three spinning mills in the west of the Isle of Lewis. He is only 29, but has already worked there for 12 years. The mill, with its large machines, looks as if it hasn't changed for decades. But MacArthur has seen it evolve to embrace a younger workforce and newer fabrics, meaning it is no longer just the ultra-classic Prince of Wales check or dark colours that are on offer. "Nowadays, we're allowed to make up our own colours... and we're just doing different things with it, modernising it, making it brighter," he said, showing off rolls of turquoise blue and fuchsia pink. "We're so busy... it never used to be like that," he said, adding that he was "proud" to be working with the local product. MacDonald also noted that tweed was an antidote to environmentally unfriendly "fast fashion". "How nice to own a product where you can actually look on a map to a tiny island and say, that's where my jacket was made. That's so rare now, and I think people really engaged with that," he said. "Every stage of the production has to happen here, but from start to finish, it is a really long process. We are the epitome of slow fashion." – AFP
Fashion Network
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fashion Network
Tweed's youthful makeover resurrects symbol of Scottish heritage
"When you see tweed on the runway, you don't expect it to come from here," joked 38-year-old former banker Alexander MacLeod as he set up his loom in a converted barn on the shores of a Scottish loch. See catwalk MacLeod became a weaver two years ago, joining residents on the islands of Lewis and Harris, off Scotland's northwest coast, in helping to rejuvenate the tweed industry after a significant period of decline. "It's a good thing to keep the tradition going," he told AFP. Tweed is a symbol of Scottish heritage and has "always been part of the culture" on the Outer Hebrides, added MacLeod, who hails from the island of Scalpay, which is connected to Harris by a bridge. It's now "an attractive sector to be in", he said. He left the Hebrides for seven years to work in banking but the pull of his roots proved too strong. During the day, McLeod now works for a small local cosmetics company. In the evenings, he puts on a podcast, usually about espionage, and patiently begins to weave. Only the steady hum of his machine disturbs the calm of the old stone barn. Harris tweed, traditionally made from 100 percent wool, is the only fabric protected by a 1993 Act of Parliament. It must be "handwoven by the islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides, finished in the Outer Hebrides, and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides". The weaver spoke of his "satisfaction" once the tweed is finished. The fabric, once associated with the British aristocracy, then goes to the spinning mill for a quality control check, where the slightest flaw is flagged up. Finally, it receives the precious "Harris Tweed" stamp -- a globe topped with a cross -- certifying the fabric's provenance and authenticity, issued by the Harris Tweed Authority (HTA). The tweed then leaves the island to be purchased by discerning companies abroad, including luxury brands such as Christian Dior, Chanel, and Gucci. Several sneaker brands such as Nike, New Balance, and Converse have also used it for limited edition products. The traditional staples are jackets, caps, and bags, but the fabric can also be used for furniture. There are 140 weavers, according to the HTA, which launched a recruitment campaign in 2023 and offered workshops to learn the trade following a wave of retirements. This know-how, often passed down from generation to generation, is now being nurtured by a different profile of weaver. "It's nice to see younger people coming in," said Kelly MacDonald, director of operations at the HTA. "When I joined the industry 22 years ago, there was a severe period of decline. I was wondering: 'Is there going to be an industry anymore?'" But the industry is now enjoying a "resurgence" and "significant growth", with more than 580,000 metres of tweed produced in 2024. "We are always looking at new markets," she said, and tweed is now exported to Korea, Japan, Germany, France and other countries. It is no longer dependent on the US market, as it once was, and should be largely shielded from the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Tweed has "modernised", said Cameron MacArthur, who works at Carloway Mill, one of the three spinning mills in the west of the Isle of Lewis. He is only 29, but has already worked there for 12 years. The mill, with its large machines, looks as if it hasn't changed for decades. But MacArthur has seen it evolve to embrace a younger workforce and newer fabrics, meaning it is no longer just the ultra-classic Prince of Wales check or dark colours that are on offer. "Nowadays, we're allowed to make up our own colours... and we're just doing different things with it, modernising it, making it brighter," he said, showing off rolls of turquoise blue and fuchsia pink. "We're so busy... it never used to be like that," he said, adding that he was "proud" to be working with the local product. MacDonald said tweed was an antidote to environmentally unfriendly "fast fashion". "How nice to own a product where you can actually look on a map to a tiny island and say, 'That's where my jacket was made.' That's so rare now, and I think people really engaged with that," he said. "Every stage of the production has to happen here, but from start to finish, it is a really long process. We are the epitome of slow fashion."
Fashion Network
4 days ago
- Business
- Fashion Network
Tweed's youthful makeover resurrects symbol of Scottish heritage
Tweed is a symbol of Scottish heritage and has "always been part of the culture" on the Outer Hebrides, added MacLeod, who hails from the island of Scalpay, which is connected to Harris by a bridge. It's now "an attractive sector to be in", he said. He left the Hebrides for seven years to work in banking but the pull of his roots proved too strong. During the day, McLeod now works for a small local cosmetics company. In the evenings, he puts on a podcast, usually about espionage, and patiently begins to weave. Only the steady hum of his machine disturbs the calm of the old stone barn. Harris tweed, traditionally made from 100 percent wool, is the only fabric protected by a 1993 Act of Parliament. It must be "handwoven by the islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides, finished in the Outer Hebrides, and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides". The weaver spoke of his "satisfaction" once the tweed is finished. The fabric, once associated with the British aristocracy, then goes to the spinning mill for a quality control check, where the slightest flaw is flagged up. Finally, it receives the precious "Harris Tweed" stamp -- a globe topped with a cross -- certifying the fabric's provenance and authenticity, issued by the Harris Tweed Authority (HTA). The tweed then leaves the island to be purchased by discerning companies abroad, including luxury brands such as Christian Dior, Chanel, and Gucci. Several sneaker brands such as Nike, New Balance, and Converse have also used it for limited edition products. The traditional staples are jackets, caps, and bags, but the fabric can also be used for furniture. There are 140 weavers, according to the HTA, which launched a recruitment campaign in 2023 and offered workshops to learn the trade following a wave of retirements. This know-how, often passed down from generation to generation, is now being nurtured by a different profile of weaver. "It's nice to see younger people coming in," said Kelly MacDonald, director of operations at the HTA. "When I joined the industry 22 years ago, there was a severe period of decline. I was wondering: 'Is there going to be an industry anymore?'" But the industry is now enjoying a "resurgence" and "significant growth", with more than 580,000 metres of tweed produced in 2024. "We are always looking at new markets," she said, and tweed is now exported to Korea, Japan, Germany, France and other countries. It is no longer dependent on the US market, as it once was, and should be largely shielded from the tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Tweed has "modernised", said Cameron MacArthur, who works at Carloway Mill, one of the three spinning mills in the west of the Isle of Lewis. He is only 29, but has already worked there for 12 years. The mill, with its large machines, looks as if it hasn't changed for decades. But MacArthur has seen it evolve to embrace a younger workforce and newer fabrics, meaning it is no longer just the ultra-classic Prince of Wales check or dark colours that are on offer. "Nowadays, we're allowed to make up our own colours... and we're just doing different things with it, modernising it, making it brighter," he said, showing off rolls of turquoise blue and fuchsia pink. "We're so busy... it never used to be like that," he said, adding that he was "proud" to be working with the local product. MacDonald said tweed was an antidote to environmentally unfriendly "fast fashion". "How nice to own a product where you can actually look on a map to a tiny island and say, 'That's where my jacket was made.' That's so rare now, and I think people really engaged with that," he said. "Every stage of the production has to happen here, but from start to finish, it is a really long process. We are the epitome of slow fashion."
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Sudbury woman takes reins of equestrian group
The northeast zone of the Trillium Hunter Jumper Association has a new president. At the virtual annual general meeting in April, the reins were handed to passionate horse person Tracy MacLeod. Joseph Meuleman has led the association for more than three decades. 'I've been on horses since I was a kid,' said MacLeod. 'Every girl's dream is to have a pony. I got to ride before I could walk.' When she was about 10, her parents took her to Bar W Ranch in the Long Lake area. 'I started doing trail rides and Western riding lessons,' she said. 'When I turned 16, naturally I started riding English (style). I've seen the Lipizzaners when they came to Sudbury. A dream come true.' At 17, MacLeod said she bought her first horse. 'I remember going to the bank and the teller asking about the big amount I was withdrawing. Well, she was surprised when I said it was for a horse.' Her first horse was a 'beautiful bay gelding called Highland Dancer,' she said. 'With my Scottish and Irish heritage, it was a perfect choice for a name. He was a spirited horse. I had met him a year before. ' We fell in love. I had him until he died over 20 years later. I have a memorial photo of him.' It is a big commitment and a long-term relationship to share your future with a horse. 'I got into several universities outside of Sudbury, but stayed here and attended Laurentian so I could keep my horse,' MacLeod. She said riding a horse can be a lifelong passion. ' He shaped my life. Horses are so therapeutic. For example, it was what got me through COVID. I was able to ride and exercise, and be outside doing what made me happy. 'Now I have multiple horses. My second horse now is an adorable little pony who I actually bought for my great-niece and nephew to ride.' MacLeod has been involved with the Trillium Hunter Jumper Association for the last 15 years as a competitor. 'I also like to volunteer and make things happen. Over the last five years, I've taken on organizing our year-end banquet and getting to know more about the organization and what it does. ' Last year, I got on the board and was a director at large. I got a feel for what the organization needed. I've got skills and experience that can be harnessed. 'I've learned so much in my work career that can help. New life and new ideas are how organizations grow and thrive.' MacLeod, by the way, is also the chief advancement officer at Laurentian University. Part of her objectives and prospective plans for the region is to have more horse shows. 'Back when I started, we had six host farms that had two events a year each. There had even been shows in Timmins, the Sault and Elliot Lake,' she said. ' I'm trying to recreate a thriving community. The North East Zone is huge and extends across the map. The Northern Equestrian Circuit was a local horse show series for those who are just getting into it. It is a great feeder system.' ' We will work towards the event at the National Equestrian Centre in our nation's capital.' Officially now called Wesley Clover Park, and home of Olympic equestrian disciplines of dressage, eventing, and show-jumping, it hosts major national gatherings. For more information on the Trillium Hunter Jumper Association go to . The association is a not-for-profit organization that promotes grassroots access to local equestrian competition in Ontario. Bluesky: @ X: @SudburyStar
