UKFT is accompanying a group of 43 UK menswear and textile companies to Chicago Collective from 3 – 6 February 2024, with the support of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

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The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) is accompanying 43 UK menswear and textile companies to Chicago Collective, a national menswear show in North America, from 3-6 February 2024, with the support of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). This will be UKFT’s largest group at the show to date comprising 36 menswear brands and seven textile mills and distributors.  

To find out more about UKFT’s activity at international trade shows, visit UKFT Global Brands. 

Chicago Collective is currently the most important US trade show for classic and contemporary menswear collections and the UK is currently the third national group after the home market and Italy.  

The majority of the collections are regulars at the show, with Barbour, Belstaff, Bennett Winch, Chrysalis, Derek Rose, Far Afield, Fox Umbrellas, Harley of Scotland, John Smedley, Johnstons of Elgin, Pantherella, Peregrine, Seaward and Stearn, Tateossian, Ted Baker and Truefitt and Hill, all firm favourites at the show. Most of the brands are actually manufactured in the UK and this is a substantial part of their appeal for US buyers. While many of these brands have also shown at Pitti Uomo and some at Paris Men’s Fashion Week, the UK brands travel to the Chicago Collective as it remains the main order writing show for the category in the US and Canada, attracting discerning independent store buyers and some larger store groups from coast to coast.  

Far Afield

For the first time, Serviceworks will be showing its collection of sanforised workwear originally developed for the kitchen but now available for all. Paul Smith is also showing this season.

For knitwear brands including Harley of Scotland and John Smedley (pictured above), sourcing UK wools and yarns are particularly important this season.  

Far Afield takes inspiration from the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland for its ‘Quiet Expedition’ collection, featuring a colour palette mirroring the country’s natural terrain.  

Meanwhile, Tateossian introduces new stones and recycled silver chains for its bracelets, along with a limited edition of turquoise ammonites, showcasing the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation in jewellery design. 

This is also an important show for footwear brands with Crockett and Jones, Harry’s London, Sanders and Sanders and Tricker’s all showing this season, with others on the waiting list to show.  

Crockett & Jones, renowned for its classic footwear, expands its smart casual shoe collection, catering to the evolving demands of contemporary fashion. Emphasizing sustainability, the brand continues its commitment to using leather sourced as a by-product of the meat industry, ensuring each shoe boasts both style and eco-consciousness. 

Crockett and Jones

Tateossian

This year the UK’s textile offer has also grown. After Italy, the UK followed by France are the largest textile groups, catering to the US menswear market’s growing appetite for high quality tailoring fabrics. Dugdale Bros & Co, Holland and Sherry and Scabal are joined this season by Huddersfield Fine Worsteds showing on the Gladson NYC booth, located opposite UKFT.  

UKFT will have a booth at the show to welcome buyers and answer their questions. The UK brands will be highlighted with a Union Jack in the show catalogue and a floor decal on the aisle carpet. UKFT will be serving Gin and Tonic on the Sunday afternoon of the four-day event.  

Paul Alger, international business director at UKFT said:

“Even in a Presidential election year, UK brands are voting with their feet and investing heavily in the US and Canadian markets which are staunch supporters of all things ‘made in the UK’ and British brands. The US still has a large number of world-class independent stores which look to the UK for new products to inspire and excite their customers.”