Universal Works

It seems that UK menswear is having a bit of a renaissance at the moment, we’ve got plenty of great brands out there now producing quality garments in the UK for the more discerning gent. Universal Works is another to add to that list.

David Keyte started the brand up in 2009 after many year in fashion – working with Paul Smith and Maharishi to name but a few – so he knows what he’s doing when it comes to clothes for men. His inspiration comes from work wear and military clothing – his wanting to expand upon this more has led him to set up for himself, thus Universal Works was born.

I think this quote from the site seems to sum the brand up well: “There is no great vision or message, no target markets, just garments for everyone, clothing to look stylish in because you the wearer makes it so, clothing you want to wear, clothing you will look good in”. I concur wholeheartedly with that sentiment and I think it’s a great attitude to have. As I’ve said before, it’s not about being ‘on trend’ it’s simply about wearing great clothes.

Their idea is to be more crafts based with clothing manufacture, using small local factories, not far east mass production. As with many of the new UK clothing crop they use natural, high quality fabrics, taking care with materials – the company also often uses up dead stock fabrics that others normally wouldn’t and would probably end up in the bin. A nice bit of ethics there. All of the guys at the brand have many years experience of working in the industry and with British work wear and outdoor clothing – this clearly shows in their garments, of which all are stunning quality.

At the moment there’s a pop-up store open on Lambs Conduit Street (number 47) where you can get hold of their new Spring/Summer 2010 collection but be quick as the store’s set to close very soon! If you can’t make the trip to them then Universal Works are also available in London through Oliver Spencer, Diverse Menswear and Fenwicks. Northerners can get themselves to Oi Polloi in Manchester. For more information on the brand visit their website: Universal Works.