Paul Smith launches Made in Britain capsule, plans to expand initiative

While local production used to be a given for many high-end labels, in the modern fashion sector, a mix of offshore and local production is the norm. Manufacturing entire collections within a brand’s own country is often reserved for special editions.

Paul Smith seems to be trying to change that with a new menswear capsule that’s more than just a nod to local production and there are “plans to expand into additional categories, including womenswear, season after season”.

The company has just unveiled ‘Made in British Isles’ — a capsule “celebrating the specialist makers and manufacturing traditions that have shaped the brand since Paul opened his first shop on Byard Lane in Nottingham in 1970”. 

Made from materials of known provenance, the collection brings together outerwear, knitwear, shirting, jersey and accessories produced in collaboration with specialist manufacturers across Britain. 

Highlights include outerwear by White Label London in Leyton, made from fabrics woven at Halley Stevensons’ Baltic Works in Dundee — including a Hooded Jacket in dry wax finish and a 425gsm herringbone Cotton Mac, each lined in deadstock shirting. There’s also knitwear by Corah Textiles in Nottinghamshire and hand-finished socks by Royal Warrant holder Corgi Hosiery, which has been producing in South Wales since 1892. 

The launch comes with a supporting campaign and “a playful illustrated map tracing its production across the British Isles”.