The George Cox Monkey Boot - click here to view

This week, we're pleased to introduce the George Cox Monkey Boot as part of our ongoing Friends of Fred project. Handmade at the company's Northamptonshire factory, these 14-hole lace ups have been crafted in high shine leather that develops its own individual character over time, improving with age.

Originally designed as a standard issue army boot, the Monkey Boot has been adopted by various subcultures throughout the decades, originally picked up by the late 60s mods before becoming a firm favourite with both men and women on the skinhead scene.

The boot's unique shape hugs the ankle and tapers to the toe, making it ideal teamed with straight leg denim and a classic gingham shirt or Harrington jacket. The George Cox style features a leather lining, dual branding on the inner sock and an additional pair of yellow laces to add a pop of colour if preferred. Available in maroon or black colour options, in UK sizes 6-11.

Shop the latest Friends of Fred Collection online here, or find your nearest Laurel Wreath Collection shop.

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.

Fred Perry are pleased to announce the release of two new exclusive George Cox footwear styles, as part of our on-going Friends of Fred project. Established in 1906 in Northamptonshire, the home of British shoemaking, George Cox has built a reputation for their uncompromising craftsmanship and traditional values on quality. Keen to see the process involved in making each shoe; we took a visit to the factory to see British manufacturing at its best.

Firstly, the suede or leather hide is selected and the upper shoe pattern cut out by hand. In footwear production this initial stage is known as 'clicking' and calls for great skill and precision. Once the suede has been cut to shape, the pieces - including the lining - are stitched together and then stretched and shaped over the last. Each shoe style has a different last, created with individual characteristics, and it's this shaping tool that replicates the anatomical information of the foot and gives the shoe its sturdy, recognisable finish.

A welt (a strip of material) is then stitched to the upper and inner sole holding all the pieces firmly together. Next, the bottom of the shoe is compacted with a special filler to create a flat surface, whilst also adding insulation. Now the whole upper part of the shoe is complete, the soles are carefully trimmed and stitched to the welt. The final stages of making the shoe involves the stitching, fixing and attachment of the heel; overall polishing and one last examination, ensuring everything is as it should be before carefully boxing.

For the Autumn/Winter Friends of Fred selection, George Cox have created two suede styles: a men's lace-up creeper and the women's Gibson style (pictured) available in sweetcorn or black.

See the full Friends of Fred selection online and in our Laurel Wreath Collection shops now.