S.E.H Kelly

"They are many, the makers of the British Isles — and some, like those here, are remarkable. Not only do they produce fabrics and components that won’t be found elsewhere, they do so to impeccable standards, and in many cases have for generations. A good number, meanwhile, are family-run, or woven intractably into local community. And, tucked away as they are across the Isles, none of them are too far from the doorstep. It’s a pleasure, all told, to work alongside them."

S.E.H Kelly make garments utilising the excellent skills of British industry. All fabrics and trims are sourced from regional mills and co-operatives spanning the breadth of the British Isles. Garments are cut, sewn, and finished by hand by a handful of factories and specialist makers.


British pride in a label. Check them out...

Albam Clothing

Looking for simply great fabric and a quality product? Albam Clothing started in 2006 with a desire to create a brand using the simple combination of a quality fabric with a well-made garment. Take a look here.

Hiut Denim - Our town is going to make jeans again

You've seen the recent furore for British manufacturing, most probably Mary Portas and her knickers. I applaud her feat as good old fashioned British industry has suffered for years and I want to help in any way I can to bring it back. For years, the competition of overseas manufacture has weighed heavily on the textiles and clothing industry, but there are labels still out there and I think it is our responsibility to seek them out and buy from them. Have some British pride and spend a little more on something that will last you longer than two washes!

This brings me to Hiut Denim, a heartwarming story of hope from Cardigan, a small town of just four thousand people. Four hundred of the population used to make jeans for a living and for three decades, thirty-five thousand pairs were being produced a week. This was until the factory closed down and the workers lost their jobs.

Fortunately, the skills were not lost, only lay dormant, waiting for a manufacturing miracle, and it came! The Hiut Denim Company brought manufacturing back home to Cardigan...

Yes, Cardigan is going to make jeans again, by using the best quality denims and the know how of the workforce, Hiut Denim are sticking simply to making jeans, and making them well. Read more on the story here.

"As one of the Grand Masters said to me when I was interviewing: “This is what I know how to do. This is what I do best.” I just sat there thinking I have to make this work. So yes, our town is going to make jeans again."

Sunspel - luxury underwear and casual basics

Sunspel is one of England’s oldest labels in luxury underwear and casual basics dating back to 1860!

Using six generations of textile innovation and old school tradition, Sunspel take influence from their past and think to the future to create their idiosyncratic style and are now under the direction of British designer, Jonathan Anderson.

The factory is based in Long Eaton, Nottingham, making Sunspel one of the few brands to keep manufacture in Britain. They are utilising their history of skill and capability to hand cut and sew many of the clothes in England.

With a refined range including polos and knitwear engineered to fit, take a look at their superior quality essentials for your wardrobe here.

The man and his legacy, Private White V.C.

Heritage, passion and devotion. This brand are a true British gem.

Inspired by family heritage, Private White V.C. produce quality everyday menswear using superior British materials and craftsmanship. With a collection designed by Nick Ashley, a designer with a long history in the fashion industry and also the son of interiors designer Laura Ashley, the collection includes timeless pieces that balance both functionality and style.

Inspiration comes from Jack White, a founder of the original Manchester factory, a proper English gentleman and military hero. This is where the name of the brand was born, Private Jack White returned to Manchester at the end of the war and began an apprenticeship as a trainee pattern cutter in the local factory. He worked his way up to General Manager and then Owner and sadly passed away in 1949 aged 52 years.

Little did he know that the same factory he had worked in all those years ago is now under the watchful eye of his great-grandchildren, and manufacturing a line of carefully crafted garments, inspired by his heroism and style. Take a look here. 

    

Art Gallery Clothing New Website

Art Gallery, the genius menswear label and DJ collective formed in 1996 by East London Mods Alex Banks and Christopher Lord, launched their brand new website in November. The website brings to the world a collection of Mod influenced menswear inspired by the Small Faces and The Who. A range of neat pieces including shirts, button through polos and knitwear. The pieces give a nod to the past whilst taking style forward with sharp refined checks, quality knits and great use of colour.

Take a look at the limited edition Wapping, a reproduction of a style that would have graced the likes of The Beatles, Stones and Small Faces, a timeless design in needle cord with button down collar, available in Biscuit, Navy Blue and Black.

The Lane, inspired by The Small Faces is perfect for the Winter months, merino wool delivers a flawless fit.

Check out the Autumn/Winter 2011/2012 review here and find an Art Gallery stockist near you.

Stay tuned as Art Gallery will be hosting a Lordy Lord 15th year anniversary night in July 2012!