Woolmark, top designers collaborate at London Collections

16 Jun '15

3 min read

A dedicated supporter of London Collections Men since the event’s inauguration, The Woolmark Company continues its involvement by teaming up with designers who have a passion and interest in Merino wool.

This season, The Woolmark Company is highlighting collaborations with Lou Dalton, Richard James and Sibling. The unique partnerships have seen these labels working closely with manufacturers and craftsman of Merino wool product, exchanging creative ideas and skills so as to further benefit and enhance their menswear collections with this versatile natural fibre, Woolmark said on its website.

Lou Dalton, Richard James and Sibling have created collections focused around lightweight Merino wool, challenging people’s perceptions of the fibre’s relevance for the season by showcasing its aesthetic qualities and natural performance attributes. From smart lightweight suits to casual separates and knitwear, the collaborations ensure that wool is seen as an important component of the spring/summer menswear wardrobe.

“Wool is a fantastic fabric to work with, so it’s always been a big part of what we do. There’s a lot of tropical-weight wool in this collection. And there are some beautiful wool blends. Both the tailoring and casual wear is beautifully light and we couldn’t have achieved that without wool,” explained Toby Lamb, design and brand director of Richard James.

“Sibling is really all about knitwear; it’s our starting point and the brand DNA since launching in 2008,” said Sibling co-designer Cozette McCreery. “For spring/summer we’ve worked with fine Merino wool so that there is warmth and yet a lightness…What’s really new and what we are most excited about is that we are doing tailoring for the first time ever – proper suiting.”

In a collaboration with Edward Sexton, the collection included bespoke suits and trousers made with lightweight Merino wool from Luxury Fabrics, mixing Savile Row heritage and Sibling inspiration. In addition, there were parkas using the same fine lightweight Merino wool in updated Sibling styling.

Designer Lou Dalton recalled: “Back when I was 16 and working for a bespoke tailor I came in contact with some of the finest wools in the world and from there on I was hooked. I'm obsessed with wool, the nature of it, how it's evolved with time, what you can do with it. Wool plays a big part in the collections I produce; I'd be lost without it.”

Dalton’s collection included key fabrics from Lanificio Cerruti and laser printed Merino wool knitwear.

By partnering with design talents such as Lou Dalton, Richard James and Sibling, Woolmark said it is able to continue exploring the infinite possibilities of Merino wool.

“It’s a thrill to be able to witness what these three labels are able to do with wool. Each designer has put their own stamp on the fibre, working with its natural qualities to produce fashion that is at the forefront of menswear today,” said Woolmark chief strategy and marketing officer Rob Langtry. (SH)

Fibre2fashion News Desk – India

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