Storied British brand John Smedley has released a new collection in celebration of London Fashion Week, but far from a regular knitwear offering, it comprises collaboration with some of the country’s best young designers, pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship.
Merino wool knitwear by Phoebe English for John Smedley. Top: A Merino wool zip-neck top by Holly Fulton for John Smedley.
Collectively titled The British Fashion Industry x John Smedley, the fall/winter 2016 collection was created in close partnership with the designers, which include womenswear names Claire Barrow, Holly Fulton and Ashley Williams, and Lou Dalton from the menswear world. In doing so, each capsule collection takes the signature styles of the designers and applies it to high quality, homegrown manufacturing, elevating the offering of Merino wool knitwear in the process.
Highlights of the project, now available for purchase here, include Claire Barrow’s extra fine Merino wool turtleneck sweater featuring witty prints, Holly Fulton’s zip-necked wool-and-cotton tops, and Ashley Williams’ graphic Merino wool column dress. “It has been a catalyst for designers to bring their production back to the UK and experience quality craftsmanship techniques that have stood the test of time,” explains John Smedley’s Jess McGuire-Dudley.
