The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) is accompanying a group of 40 UK menswear and textile companies to Chicago Collective, the most important US trade show for classic and contemporary menswear. Taking place at The Mart on the Chicago River (US), the show brings leading menswear brands from all around the world.

UKFT’s activity at Chicago Collective is supported by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

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News from British exhibitors

Corgi

Corgi brings iconic British style statements to the show, such as a men’s Cashmere Ribbed Zip jacket crafted from pure cashmere by its expert knitters at our small mill in Wales. “Our ribbed zip jacket is luxurious and robust with a slim profile and ribbed fabric. The stand-up collar and zipped front make a particular smart choice and is the epitome of British style. A timeless classic.” 

Corgi commented: “The Chinese market has seen significant growth over the last 5 years, they love British made products and our Royal Warrant is of particular interest. We think it’s the classic plain ribbed socks and classic plain knitted sweaters that always do well, timeless pieces that aren’t necessarily fashion led. Just luxury products made well.“

Crockett & Jones

Loafers are currently the trending category for Crockett & Jones, specifically its Boston penny loafer. “Aptly named, given the style’s American origins, this iconic shoe is proving to be popular around the world from the USA to Italy to Japan. In one version or another, it has formed part of our core collection since the 90s and is only growing in popularity with its ability to be dressed up or dressed down for any occasion.”

Japan is a key market for the brand: “For Crockett & Jones, we have strong markets around the world but the single country we export the most to is Japan. With specific models and lasts developed for the Japanese people, we have worked together with the most highly regarded stores over many years to build a strong reputation and customer base. As with all markets, loafers of all variations are the leading light at the moment and the Japanese certainly know how to wear them well.”

Crockett & Jones is a holder of a Royal Warrant: “For many years we have been fortunate to be the holder of a Prince of Wales Royal Warrant as the ‘Manufacturer and Supplier of Footwear’. It is a source of great pride for our company to have the recognition of royalty, and is especially rewarding for all the craftsmen and women in our factory whose skills go into making shoes of the highest standards.”

Corgi

Crockett & Jones

Derek Rose

Derek Rose pyjamas are true British style statements: “When it comes to men’s pyjamas there’s no finer experience than our luxury men’s silk pyjamas. Crafted with passion and care in our Cheshire Silk Studio. All our men’s silk pyjamas are made using our finest silks designed with love and passion by our London Design Studio team. Our aim is to bring you comfort and joy so you look and feel great. Pair with our silk men’s robes and complete the look with our handmade slippers.”

The UK and the Middle East are important market for the brand: “Derek Rose has a global and loyal customer base, with the primary markets being the UK and Middle East. We have seen great success and popularity come from our Derek Rose store in the Dubai Mall, where customers visit for the best quality products, but in particular our micro modal loungewear; one of our signature fabrics and a customer favourite, our breathable ‘Basel’ fabric is perfect indoors or outside. The micro modal fabric constantly reacts to your body and helps you stay cool or warm according to your temperature. This special fabric is also environmentally friendly; made from sustainably forested European beech trees. The durability and quality of it also means you’ll be wearing your t-shirt for years to come!” 

Johnstons of Elgin

The company received a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in May 2024. “Employing more than 1000 people, Johnstons of Elgin was founded in 1797 and began shipping internationally in 1813. The family-owned brand is now the UK’s largest producer of luxury cashmere  
and fine woollens.”

Johnstons of Elgin was also granted a Royal Warrant: “Johnstons of Elgin has been granted a Royal Warrant by His Majesty The King for Manufacturing Estate Tweeds, Knitwear and Woven Accessories. They join around 800 Royal Warrant Holders, from individual craftspeople to global multinationals, supplying goods and services to the Royal Household.”

Derek Rose

Johnstons of Elgin

John Smedley

John Smedley’s polo shirt is an iconic British style statement: “Introduced in 1932, Isis was developed as our first ever men’s short sleeve polo shirt, and its classic design features haven’t changed since. Boasting a large fashioned collar and generous fit, and now available in both John Smedley’s Sea Island Cotton and Anglo-Indian Gauze as Peaks, this timeless style offers an enticing glimpse into John Smedley’s past.”

The brand celebrated 110 years of relationship with Japan this year: “In 2024, we celebrate the valuable relationship between John Smedley and Japan, which is 110 years old this year. John Smedley’s menswear and womenswear ranges are available via its many stand-alone retail stores in Japan, including Tokyo, Yokohama and Kyoto, Japan.”

The brand was granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment by His Majesty King Charles III as manufacturers of fine knitwear in May 2024.

Ian Maclean MBE, John Smedley’s Managing Director and grantee of the Royal Warrant said: “This year is our family company’s 240^th anniversary manufacturing fine knitwear in Derbyshire. It is a great privilege and honour to have been granted the Royal Warrant of Appointment by His Majesty the King and all our colleagues, shareholders, and business partners will be delighted by this news. We remain committed to manufacturing all of our garments in Britain and have recently opened our factory to third party manufacturing again after 40 years, which we expect will be a growth opportunity for ourselves and those brands interested in re-shoring in the next few years.” 

Peregrine

Peregrine’s Lynton polo shirt, a quintessentially British essential, was worn by The Rock. “The US is a growing market through stores; like Nordstrom and online with Huckberry and Bespoke post. The brand is being well received after Noah Kahan and  The Rock have been seen wearing the brand over in the US.”

John Smedley

Peregrine

Sanders & Sanders

“This season, we’re excited to introduce a fresh twist to three of our beloved classics with the all-new mocha reverse suede colourway. Our Edwin loafer, Jacob plain gibson, and Marvin chukka boot, will be available in this rich, versatile shade, perfect for elevating your spring and summer wardrobe. Each shoe is meticulously crafted to ensure maximum comfort and style, featuring unlined construction for breathability and a single crepe sole for lightweight wear.”

“We prioritise sourcing our shoe components from local suppliers whenever possible to ensure the highest quality and promote sustainability. For instance, we procure our suede leathers from renowned leather makers like Charles F. Stead, known for their exceptional craftsmanship. Additionally, our soles and heels are sourced from suppliers within an 18-mile radius, enabling us to reduce transportation costs and support local businesses. This commitment to local sourcing allows us to maintain control over the production process, minimise our environmental footprint, and contribute to the growth of our community. By choosing these trusted local suppliers, we deliver superior products while fostering a more sustainable and socially responsible footwear industry. “

Tateossian

“Introduced in 1995, Tateossian’s iconic Globe rotating cufflinks epitomise the brand’s unique marriage of craftsmanship and innovative design, as well as its broad international appeal. Capturing a miniature globe on a sterling silver circle cage, these cufflinks have long taken their wearer on a journey of discovery. From the signature spinning bead movement, to the natural lapis gemstone that has been uniquely infused with latitudinal and longitudinal lines, the Globe cufflink’s longevity is testament to their international demand.”

Tateossian’s current key market is the US. “With over 230 points of sale across the country and department stores such as Saks and Bloomingdales. These account for 80% cufflinks and 20% bracelet orders, although 80% of US clients tend to order both cufflinks and bracelets. In terms of other key markets for the brand, these would be Japan, Canada, UAE and China, as well as the UK, where Tateossian’s flagship boutique resides in Mayfair’s Conduit Street.”

Sanders

Tateossian

Tricker’s

Tricker’s was awarded a Royal Warrant by King Charles III. “We are all hugely delighted and this is a fantastic honour for the company in our 195th year. It really does mean the customer will appreciate the fact that the standards needed to obtain the warrant are there and therefore it is a seal of assurance and quality for the consumer.”

“The key markets for Trickers are still very much Japan, Italy, USA, UK, for AW24 we are working with Comme Des Garcon on a footwear collaboration and Todd Snyder.”

Tricker’s

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