Moira-based fashion house launches environmentally conscious leather brand

Jack Dobson, co-director of Dunbia, a £1 billion UK and Ireland market leading meat processor has teamed up with his daughter in law, Elaine Dobson, to launch Tahlia, a Moira-based fashion house that’s already created a stunning collection of women’s premium leather garments and fashion accessories such as quality leather handbags and jackets.

The new business venture comes after Jack grew Dunbia from a small butcher shop in Moy over 40 years ago into the expansive business it is today. His pevious venture, Elmgrove Foods, which is managed by Jack’s son, Stuart Dobson, is already highly successful, having collected important awards including a prestigious Queen’s Award for Export in 2013.

The leathers used in the garments are carefully selected by Jack from his huge knowledge of the meat industry, farming and especially the curing techniques used in the production of premium quality leathers. Additionally, all the leather is sourced from British and Irish farms.

Elaine organised the glittery launch of Tahlia’s stunning first collection at Kris Turnbull studios, which was hosted by Zoe Salmon and attended by local fashionistas and media figures, such as Pamela Ballantine. She explains the thinking behind the Tahlia brand, “We chose Tahlia as it is Hebrew for ‘morning dew’ or ‘lambkin’. Our brand is inspired by the ephemeral beauty of nature, especially of the Northern Irish countryside, and we try to capture that beauty in our premium quality leather that is sourced from British and Irish farms.’

Elaine, who lives in Hillsborough with husband Stuart Dobson, of Elmgrove Foods, adds, “We work with our team of designers to create original garments using the best quality leathers and other fabrics, especially for lining the clothes, to ensure premium quality garments that will excite and capture the imagination of customers.

“Attention to detail is important to us because we want customers to value the Tahlia brand and the quality and design of our garments.

“Every garment is carefully checked by us to ensure it meets our specifications and exacting requirements,” she says. “We are focused on creating and developing a fashion house, a distinctive brand and exceptional garments that will, in time, produce tangible benefits for the local economy. We are, for instance, linking up with Belfast Met to engage with fashion design students there in the development of future garments.”