Fred Perry have teamed up with quality craftsmen Drake’s for a Autumn/Winter 2012 collaborative blank canvas.

Famed for their refined handcrafted accessories, Drake’s of London have been outfitting gentlemen since 1977. The company’s origins lie in the hand printing and production of men’s quality scarves. Today Drake’s are the largest independent producer of handmade ties in England. Their impressive factory and covetable fabric archive is based in the Old Street area of London.

The collaboration sees two classic British brands join forces to create a measured and sophisticated collection of Fred Perry pieces, complemented by Drake’s signature archive prints. Staying true to heritage, styles are experimental, but not radical. Drake's Managing Director Michael Hill captured the collaboration perfectly during our factory visit, as he enthused: 'it's about evolution of design, not revolution'.

Styles include the classic Fred Perry shirt and Bomber jacket, which both pay homage to Drake’s signature medallion print, whilst an enlivened archive paisley print brings statement to woven styles.
All over print patterns sit alongside more subtly detailed designs, with pattern applied to plackets, collars, linings and footwear; creating a distinctly British collection.

 The Fred Perry & Drake's blank canvas is available now, online and in our Laurel Wreath Collection shops.

Fred Perry is pleased to introduce the Guernsey Woollens to the Friends of Fred fold for Autumn Winter, 2012. The company have been crafting traditional knitwear from their Guernsey workshop for over 30 years. Both design and production are based on the small island (officially known as the Bailiwick of Guernsey), which lies to the south west of mainland Britain. The island, which is just 78km² is famed for its traditional dairy farming, knitting and fishing industries.

 
The Guernsey knitting industry has a long and colourful history, including a royal following! It is rumoured that Queen Elizabeth (1558 to 1603) owned articles of the island's knitwear, and Mary Queen of Scots even wore her Guernsey hose (similar to a modern day pair of tights) to her own execution. However, it was in the 17^th Century, when the knitwear industry truly flourished, as the knitted jumpers found favour with seafarers around the British Isles.

The pioneering wives of the island's fishermen had developed a special garment for their husbands – a jumper that was warm, hardwearing, comfortable and most importantly capable of repelling rain and spray. The hard twist given to the tightly packed wool fibres in the spinning process and the tightly knitted stitches made sure water ‘rolled off’ the jumpers. Each parish (community) within Guernsey had their own knit pattern to ensure any sailors lost overboard could be identified, and on a brighter note a misplaced jumper could be returned to its rightful owner.

For Autumn/Winter 2012, Guernsey Woollens have produced a limited number of traditonal pure British wool sweaters complete with our signature Laurel Wreath embroidery on the chest. The style retains many of its original design features, the rib at the top of the sleeve is said to represent a sailing ship's rope ladder in the rigging, the raised seam across the shoulder, a rope, and the garter stitch panel mimics waves breaking upon the beach.

These timeless sweaters are available to buy both online and in our Laurel Wreath shops now.

We're pleased to introduce iconic brand Gloverall as the latest addition to the Autumn/Winter 2012 Friends of Fred selection. Established in 1951, Gloverall has earned a reputation as one of Britain’s most timeless and well respected brands. Founded by Harold and Freda Morris, the company originally specialised in the sale of cotton and leather gloves and traditional workwear clothing.

Photo by Jack Garnham/Picture Post/Getty Images courtesy of Gloverall

Following the Second World War, the couple were approached by the Ministry of Defence to help with a solution for the disposal of surplus army supplies. Happy to oblige, they took the surplus military and naval coats, conceived their brand name using the words ‘Gloves' and 'Overalls’ and made their first styles available to the British public. The coats were a resounding success. Harold Morris saw the early potential in this venture and alongside his father - who happened to be a master tailor - began to produce larger quantities of a more structured, civilian friendly version of the coat in their London workshop.

Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images courtesy of Gloverall

The new Gloverall coat was adopted and adored by a legion of fans spanning a cross-section of society. The coat became a symbol of social renegades - favoured throughout the 1950s and 60s by beatniks, protestors and artists. In contrast, British actor Michael Wilding - the second husband of movie star Elizabeth Taylor - was famously photographed wearing his alongside the star on their honeymoon, whilst champion racing car driver Stirling Moss was often seen trackside in his. Gloverall, like Fred Perry, have their feet firmly cemented in British history, with both brands seeing their signature pieces migrate from their original purpose to become iconic design classics. 

This season sees the introduction of an exclusive Gloverall reefer coat to Friends of Fred. The reefer coat was a style traditionally worn by the Navy, and has been produced using Moon's quality melton wool, a fabric famed for its warmth, durability and wind resistance. Made in England, the double breasted style is complete with anchor button detailing and a throat tab fastening for warding off the cold. Retaining its original features and navy blue colour, the coat has been updated with our signature Stewart tartan lining. Three Gloverall medal stripe scarves have been crafted in pure new wool, making a perfect accompaniment to this season's outerwear. Staying true to Gloverall's military roots, the distinctive stripe patterns originate from the ribbons used on medals awarded for distinguished service during wartime.

Fred Perry have also worked alongside Gloverall to produce a collaborative Laurel Wreath Collection duffle coat. Available for both men and women, our interpretation of the classic style sees it pared down with a streamlined silhouette and simplified panel details.

See the full Friends of Fred selection for Autumn/Winter 2012 HERE.