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.

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.

Laurel Wreath menswear has a strong graphic influence for Autumn Winter 2012. Applications and details take inspiration from British post war op artists; with a focus on the use of pattern, line and colour across styles.

Seams are shifted and back panels colour blocked, creating a strong modernist aesthetic. Irregular vertical stripes and graduated dot placement prints are used across shirts and Italian merino wool knitwear. Micro gingham checks, Italian manufactured tonal checks and stripes are seen across woven shirting. Details are considered and playful with the use of different chest pocket shapes and collar fastenings. Pants and single colour shirting are offered in soft touch cottons and subtle herringbone twills.

Across outerwear, classic shapes are given subtle updates, creating clean minimal lines. Most notable pieces are the Raglan Sleeve Raincoat, made in London using British Millerain fabric and a cotton and alpaca blend Herringbone 3 Button Jacket, also made in England.

Functional canvas lined waxed nylons are seen across the bag range; whilst micro dot and arrow patterns used within the apparel range are applied to merino and lamb’s wool scarves.

The clean lines and modern aesthetic seen within the clothing range is apparent across the footwear collection. Standout styles include the Beatty suede, a desert style boot with a thick crepe sole and the Donegan Leather & Wool Shoe, a brogue style panelled with rich marl wool and smooth leather.

The Laurel Wreath menswear collection is available online and in Laurel Wreath Collection stores.