Along with Paris, Milan and New York, London has long been regarded as one of the world’s fashion capitals, showcasing exciting design talent and innovative creations season after season. So it’s little surprise that the city is ho
me to some of our nations most established and successful brands, with more continuing to pop up each day. To celebrate the impact London has had on the global menswear scene, we’re counting down some of our favourite labels, old and new, which are testament to the creative environment and land of opportunity that is the ‘Big Smoke’.
1. Hackett London
With its origins in West London’s Portobello Road, this British tailoring label has the influence of the capital running through its veins.
Expanding from a single market stall back in 1979 to over 75 retail locations worldwide today, Hackett London has firmly cemented itself as a British institution in the world of gentlemanly fashion. Available in Hackett stores and online at hackett.com.
2. Percival
Young in age yet mature in style, London-born brand Percival was launched in 2010 and quickly landed on our fashion radar.
With a studio located in central London and a flagship store in Soho, this stylish brand caters for gents of all ages and walks of life, with the majority of its garments made right here in the UK.
Available in Percival stores and online at percivalclo.com.
3. AllSaints
This now internationally-known brand makes no secret of its London heritage, even including its Spitalfields roots in its former name.
However, the label is actually named after west London’s All Saints Road, an area heavily linked with the music and design scene in the 1960s. It even opened its first store on Carnaby Street on All Saints Day in 1997. How’s that for symmetry?
Available in AllSaints stores and online at allsaints.com.
4. Garbstore
Founded by former Paul Smith designer Ian Paley in 2007, this London-born menswear brand looks to the Second World War for inspiration, truly putting Britain at the heart of everything it produces.
Taking up shop in West London’s Notting Hill in the popular Couverture & the Garbstore boutique, spearheaded by Paley and partner Emily Dyson, the brand now attracts customers from across the UK and further afield.
Available at its London store and online at couvertureandthegarbstore.com.
5. Wåven
Despite its seemingly Scandinavian moniker and design approach, this new brand is actually a product of London.
Treating us to contemporary denim pieces at accessible price points, the label has quickly grown in popularity after launching last season – it’s already stocked by the likes of ASOS, Topman and Urban Outfitters.
Available online at waven.co.uk.
6. Uniform Wares
While this watch brand boasts Swiss precision, its full design and development process has taken place in London since day one.
Tossing aside ostentatious timepieces, fully independent label Uniform Wares creates clean, sharp watches for the modern man, delivering a dose of understated sophistication straight from the capital to fashion fans worldwide.
Available online at uniformwares.com.
7. Gieves And Hawkes
Taking up the number one unit on London’s world-renowned Savile Row, this heritage brand is a leading name in the capital’s tailoring district.
Heralded as one of the oldest bespoke tailoring businesses in the world, Gieves and Hawkes first arrived in London in 1771, catering for army commanders and royalty alike. Today, the label is still held in the highest regard, having received a selection of Royal Warrants from the current monarchy.
Available at its Savile Row store and online at gievesandhawkes.com.
8. Orlebar Brown
Catering to the sun worshippers among us, Orlebar Brown hit the fashion scene in 2007 with its unique brand of tailored resort wear.
Despite the UK’s reputation for sub-par weather, founder and photographer Adam Brown saw a gap in the travel and fashion markets for stylish swimwear that could take you from the pool to the bar without the need to change.
Its great success has led to collaborations with Emilio Pucci, Jon Frank, and Condé Nast Traveller, to name just a few.
Available online at orlebarbrown.co.uk.
9. YMC
Having lasted it out in the fashion industry for over 20 years, London label YMC (AKA You Must Create) has really come into its own in recent times.
Offering clean-cut, functional clothing that sidelines mainstream trends in favor of timeless style, the brand has become a one-stop-shop for high-quality wardrobe staples that transcend the seasons.
Available online at youmustcreate.com.
10. Cutler And Gross
Hailing from West London’s Knightsbridge, Cutler and Gross have been producing exceptional, cutting-edge eyewear for 46 years.
From sunglasses to optical frames, its designs have been worn by everyone from Elton John to Rihanna and are now available in outlets across 50 countries.
However, despite its global domination, the brand still offers a fully bespoke and personal service to each customer in all of its boutiques.
Available in Cutler and Gross stores and online at cutlerandgross.com.
