Our Heritage Story

My Family Heritage 

As a proud third-generation designer, Elise Tweed is built on a foundation laid nearly a century ago by my great-grandfather, Rodger O’Kane — a master shirtmaker, innovator, and visionary from Derry.

As Managing Director and Head Designer of the renowned Wilkinson’s Shirt Factory, Rodger was celebrated as a true master of his craft. His skill was so respected that he created not only Wilkinson’s sample shirts, but the full sample collections for shirt factories across Derry — a city once known worldwide as “Shirt-making City.”

In 1930, Rodger designed an innovative reversible buttonhole shirt, a design so exceptional it was mass-produced and supplied to soldiers in both the British Army and Canadian Navy during World War II.

His craftsmanship helped place Derry firmly on the global textile map.

That legacy continued with my grandfather, Michael Cregan, who trained in the prestigious tailoring houses of Burton’s on Savile Row, London — the heart of classic British tailoring.

Returning home to Derry in the 1940s, Michael worked alongside Rodger at Wilkinson’s for many years even created his own brand of woven ties, before forging his own path.

From shirt-making to tailoring, weaving to design, my family’s story is one of dedication to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation.

Image of Rodger O'Kane the wages book from Wilkinsons Shirt factory early 1900's and one of Grandads woven ties he made.