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.

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.

We're excited to announce that the first pieces from the Bradley Wiggins X Fred Perry Collaboration are available online and in selected Authentic shops as of today. The launch marks the start of a 6 season collaboration with the Olympic cyclist and mod enthusiast, who also happens to be the current Tour de France leader - go Wiggo!

Wiggins is as much a perfectionist off the bike as on, and was involved in the design process of the collaboration from the very early stages. Inspired by vintage cycling jerseys of the 1960s and the heritage and style of Fred Perry, the non-technical shirts are complete with carefully considered details. The unique slim fit cotton pique shirt is finished with ‘GB tape’ around the neckline, retro metal zips, single zipped pocket to the rear hem and an especially designed 'stripe’ around the tip of the sleeves.  The jerseys are completed with Laurel Wreath embroidery to the chest and ‘locker room’ inspired Bradley Wiggins back neck labels. Available in 3 classic colour ways: white, sky blue and black.

See Bradley's first pieces for Fred Perry HERE