Fred Perry are pleased to welcome Porte Monnaie to our Friends of Fred selection for Autumn; an on-going project that looks to British labels and craftsmen that share our appreciation of the design and making processes, along with a particular attention to detail. Port Monnaie specialise in the creation of handcrafted wallets, combining both innovative and traditional materials and a minimalist approach to design, that results in a unique and considered product. Three exclusive designs have been produced especially for Fred Perry, including the Tipped Wallet, offering a playful take on our traditional tipped shirts.

Founder and lead craftsman Nick Bond studied menswear design at London's Central St Martins, before taking an interest in the construction of lightweight, functional accessories. 'Porte Monnaie' literally translates to 'purse' or 'wallet'; with Nick's designs taking an almost architectural blueprint that is reminiscent of traditional origami shapes. The clean lines and precision applied to each wallet reflects Nick's own personal taste, with his live-work studio nestled in East London a perfect example of this aesthetic. The sky-lit space is neatly dressed with artfully stacked shelves and a wooden work bench, set against a back drop of carefully compiled mood boards, paints, pots and brushes.

What makes Porte Monnaie wallets so special is the truly manual process of their production. The backbone of the wallet is produced using flash spun high density polyethylene fibres; a cutting-edge material that has a paper like tactility and is fully recyclable. Each design is hand printed or painted and takes a week to dry before being finished using locally sourced russet leather. Though the construction of each wallet is a delicate process, the unique fabrication is surprisingly strong, making these handmade wallets ideal as gifts or investment pieces.

Once complete, every wallet is carefully wrapped in Porte Monnaie tissue paper and presented in a black card box with a gold embossed lid.

Porte Monnaie wallets are available now online and in our Laurel Wreath Collection shops.

Our Friends of Fred project returns this week, with a new selection of iconic brands invited to join the fold. For SS12 Aquascutum, George Cox and Ally Capellino came aboard, as well as new seasonal contributions from Sunspel and Levi's.

This season's outfit includes two pairs of limited edition George Cox x Fred Perry creeper shoes; created with dual branding on the inner sock and a traditional stacked crepe sole. Known for making the very first creepers, British shoemakers George Cox became the brand of choice for subcultures ranging from the drainpipe clad Teddy Boys of the 1950s to Ska and Psychobilly. For Friends of Fred, George Cox have created a versatile brushed black suede creeper as well as an exclusive navy and ecru colour option.

George Cox x Fred Perry Creepers

British born and trained designer Ally Capellino has contributed two of her signature heavy waxed canvas bags, created in an exclusive colour option that's only available through the project. The spacious 'Dean' rucksack and stylish 'Dougie' side bag feature rich bridle leather buckles, coated canvas bases and embossed branding.

 Ally Capellino 'Dean' rucksack and 'Dougie' side bag

British brand Aquascutum have contributed their iconic Sheerwater raincoat, worn by everyone from Humphrey Bogart to Michael Caine. Favoured by the mod movement due to its streamlined styling and slim, tailored fit; the Sheerwater raincoat continues to be made in England, lined with the brand's signature club check cloth.

Past friends Sunspel return to the project, contributing a classic striped long sleeve top as well as a seasonal striped t-shirt made from the finest cotton. Levi’s also return for a third season with the Bedford cord; a key trouser style based on an original 1966 fit, with a slim cut, ‘Big E’ red tab branding and traditional five pocket construction.

The SS12 Friends of Fred selection is available at our Laurel Wreath shops, as well as online HERE.

Please note, our Manchester shop will not be carrying Levi's styles. 

After the huge success of our first Friends of Fred project, we decided to invite three more brands to the fold. The selection for AW11 stays true to our signature sharp mod aesthetic; using pieces from some of the finest British labels and craftsmen to create a complete outfit available at our Laurel Wreath shops and online. Our Friends of Fred for AW11 are: John Smedley, Garbstore and Alfred Sargent, with two more Levi’s styles added to the selection.

With a rich 225 year heritage, John Smedley holds its roots in the Derbyshire countryside and continues to produce luxury knitwear using the finest wool. For Friends of Fred, the brand has chosen the iconic Dorset Sweater created in the softest merino wool to form the core of the look. We've looked to Northamptonshire brand Alfred Sargent to provide the shoes: leather lined with a rubber tipped sole, their rich suede Chukka boots make the perfect finishing touch to our outfit. Producing their own line of ‘unfamiliar vintage’; Garbstore of Portobello road have contributed a wool Kadet coat complete with the smartly tailored wool and attention to detail sought out by the mods. Last but not least, Levi’s return for a second season with two classic styles – the 1967 505 Rigid Jeans and the Sta Prest trouser, this time available in a textured wale cord.*

Some of our favourite blogs including Hypebeast and The Daily Street have written about the project - you can judge for yourself HERE.

*Please note that Levi's styles will not be available at our Manchester or Berlin Laurel Wreath Collection Shops.