History of textiles in the Vosges: a tradition of excellence
For centuries, the Vosges has been the symbol of renowned textile expertise. A region of tradition and innovation, it has been able to adapt to market changes while preserving exceptional quality. The history of textiles is inextricably linked to the economic and social development of the Vosges. Today, the Vosges Terre Textile label is a guarantee of this excellence, and highlights companies that are committed to the industry.
In this post, we invite you to delve into the history of textiles in the Vosges and discover how ALM humbly perpetuates this unique know-how.
The origins of Vosges textiles: ancestral know-how
1. An industry born of water and mountains
From the Middle Ages onwards, the Vosges benefited from an ideal setting for the textile industry: pure, powerful water (enabling the installation of mills and small weaving workshops), abundant forests (a source of energy before the widespread use of coal) and a serious, skilled workforce. Artisan weavers were renowned for their production of high-quality woollen and linen cloth.
In the 18th century, the region specialised in cotton, with flourishing factories.
2. The 19th century: the industrial boom
With the industrial revolution, the Vosges became a major centre of the French textile industry. With the advent of mechanisation, small workshops became veritable factories, producing on a massive scale while maintaining exceptional quality. The Vosges became one of France's biggest textile centres. Family businesses (such as Garnier-Thiebaut) became major players in the sector. The Vosges' proximity to Germany and Belgium facilitated exports in particular.
The evolution of Vosges textiles in the face of modern challenges
1. Globalisation and its impact
From the 1970s onwards, international competition undermined local industry. The first oil crisis in 1973 led to a sharp rise in production costs (energy, transport, etc.), which undermined already fragile industries (high labour costs & labour market rigidities in a very labour-intensive sector, lower customs protection). The economic recession that followed reduced domestic consumption, including in the clothing sector.
Many companies are closing or relocating their production. To resist, the Vosges textile industry is focusing on quality and certification.
2. Renewal through quality and expertise
Faced with decline, some companies have chosen to rise to the challenge of "Made in France". They are focusing on top-of-the-range, luxury, sustainability and textile innovation to survive and grow.
The département also relies on industrial tourism and the promotion of its heritage: textile museums (in Ventron and Ferdrupt), factory tours (in Gérardmer and Vagney), cultural events based around fabric (fabric festival, textile route, temporary exhibitions, etc.).
3. The Vosges Terre Textile label: a guarantee of excellence
Created in 2011, this label distinguishes companies that produce locally to a high standard.
It guarantees:
- Over 75% of its production takes place in the Vosges,
- An eco-responsible and sustainable approach,
- Superior textile quality.
ALM: local integration & sector expertise
1. Textile expertise rooted in the Vosges
ALM started its business in 1939 in the village of Docelles, at the confluence of the Vologne and Barba rivers. Originally, the family business made wedding dresses, followed by lingerie, then flat linen (pillowcases, sheets, tablecloths: outdoor tablecloths, round tablecloths, etc.) and finally professional clothing (women's tunics, men's work trousers, white coats, etc.). A er several extensions in Docelles, the company has gradually opened establishments in neighbouring towns, notably Lépanges-sur-Vologne and Cheniménil.
Our employees live less than 18 km from our sites. With an average length of service of almost 20 years, we are proud of the skills of our predominantly female teams: designers, pattern makers, prototype makers, cutters, stitchers, quality controllers, etc.
2. Certified products from the Vosges
Over the years, and through our commitment to the Vosges Terre Textile label (and France Terre Textile in general), we have forged local partnerships in the Vosges (on the Vosges and Alsace sides!).
Every year, our workshop in Docell makes over 45,000 mountain bike labelled items using fabrics woven, finished and dyed in the Haute Moselle valley. Although these items represent a marginal part of our business, they enable us to maintain local jobs and thus perpetuate a historic know-how.
The history of textiles in the Vosges is a source of inspiration and excellence: it teaches us about resilience. Buying a locally produced item is also an act of activism: without necessarily being aware of it, you are supporting the economic and social environment in our rural communities!
Contact our sales teams today to find out which Vosges Terre Textile-labelled items we can make in our Vosges workshop.
