2 Great British Menswear Brands to Know This Season

Buying British is something I'm more aware of these days, it's not just about the guaranteed quality of the goods you'll be purchasing but the knowledge that you've supported the British economy in times of uncertainty with Brexit. At Hawkins & Shepherd I'm currently designing a range of shirts that will also be made-in-Britain using the highest possible tailoring and fabrics available. But here are two brands who have been manufacturing in the UK for some time and have been extremely successful in doing so. Welcome Duke + Dexter and Ross Barr.

Duke + Dexter is a British born footwear brand who specialise in premium footwear, all of which is handmade in England. Since launching in 2014 they are now selling in 100 countries worldwide  including major luxury retailers in the UK such as Liberty's, Selfridges and Harrods which signifies the power of a made-in-England brand in a global marketplace. In 2016 they opened their flagship store in Covent Garden, London and recently launched their very first Chelsea boot collection for AW17 in 4 colour-ways. Impressive. The brand wanted to champion masterful techniques dedicated to British craftsmanship and believe in exceptional quality, unique charm and authenticity that comes from traditional handcrafted products. The Duke + Dexter take on the Chelsea boot is available in 4 colours, black and brown leather as well as camel and navy suede. Constructed using Italian leather or Northampton suede, whichever style is your personal preference, they are guaranteed to tick all your sartorial needs not only this this autumn but season after season. 

Ross Barr are slightly newer, launching in 2015 in Leeds, West Yorkshire by 27 year old designer Ross Barr-Hoyland. Ross Barr specialises in knitwear using 100% sustainable British wool and also manufactures in the UK. Ross Barr is supported by the Princes Trust and is certainly one to watch. They are destined for big things for 2018 and I'll be keeping a keen eye on any new collections or colour-ways in the future as I love their knitwear so much. They are currently stocked in a handful of boutique style stores in the UK but they have big ambitions to not only crack the UK market but also take our Great British made knitwear to markets abroad. The brand started its journey perfecting a single design which they call 'The Spencer' and have expanded over the years and now have 'The Elliot' and 'The Hoyland' in their current range. My favourite design personally in 'The Hoyland' which I've styled in my look above, warm enough to wear simply over a t-shirt or dress it up a little with a blazer or some tweed.

SHOP THE LOOK

SHOP DUKE + DEXTER CHELSEA BOOTS

SHOP ROSS BARR AW17 COLLECTION

Photography by Charlie Sawyer