John Smedley Launch Their 235 Collection

Who is the eldest manufacturer of knitwear in the world? Answer. John Smedley. 2019 marks their 235 years in business and to celebrate their esteemed legacy the brand will be launching their official 235 collection. Tying in neatly with Wool Week 2019. 

The launch will centre on a three fibre collection across menswear and womenswear including British Guanaco, British Alpaca and British Sheep's wool. 

Are these ethically sourced fibres Carl? 

You bet. John Smedley has a completely sustainable product that can be traced back to the individual animals. They can even tell you the name of the Alpaca, each named after important Smedley family members. 

Speaking at the launch were Jess Mcguire-Dudley, Marketing and Design Director, Alex James cheese maker, farmer and musician and Ian Maclean Managing Director. 

"We wanted to do a celebration of craftsmanship. Before the yarn gets to the factory there is a community of people that are passionate about producing the highest quality of fibres. We wanted to delve deep into those communities. How do they choose their animals on the farm? Sheer them, breed them. It’s all hands on. Being a British brand we turned the perception on its head that British wool is only fit for upholstery, carpets etc. British wool doesn't have a great reputation for their fashion. Scratchy not comfortable to wear etc. But that's not the case now. The essence of this idea is let’s put British manufacturing first. Reduce the carbon footprint use exclusively British wool. It's 90 miles from the sheep to getting out the factory." Jess Mcguire-Dudley, Marketing and Design Director

"What’s been really good is were managing to educate people. There was a lot of people that didn't know where cheese came from. No one knew the provenance of food. Not many at least. Education is part of that. If you asked the average person on the street where their clothes come from, how they're made etc, not many would know. It's up to us to change that.

I remember being cross with my wife for buying a wool jumper for our kid. I was thinking how much did you pay, I was furious he'll grow out of that in five minutes! But that jumper has now fitted all five of our kids and is now being used by my nephew. 

I did a documentary where I tried to burn a wool jumper. It didn't smell very nice after but it simply wouldn't burn. It wouldn't go. The acrylic one that looked the same, went up. Just turned into a puddle oil it was horrible. You don't want it in your house let alone clothing your kids its dangerous." Alex James - Farmer, Bass player from Blur. 

"I get to visit a number of companies around the UK, particularly in Yorkshire. The campaign for wool is our intention to make this story as relevant to as many people as possible. It’s a British initiative but not just a British story." Ian Maclean - Managing Director

You can catch a full interview with Ian Maclean about their involvement with the James Bond franchise over on the From Tailors With Love website.  Be sure to check out the 235 collection on the John Smedley website and in store.