Blog
Archive for November, 2010
24th November 2010 | General, Retail | Leave a comment
It’s freezing and Lea Mills looked absolutely beautiful this morning. The hills were dusted with frost and everything had a certain calm and stillness. One thing is for sure, winter is definately on the way and with it comes a sneek peak of the window display at our Flagship store on Brook Street.
A frosty morning at the John Smedley mill
We are over the moon with our glove Christmas tree and the staff in store have been struggling to keep their hands off. Our twinkly window display is decorated with clusters of baubles in sumptous tones of caramels, chocolate and charcoal. The gloves were knitted here in Matlock in various shades of green and sizes to create the prefect glove tree!
The rustle of Christmas is certainly upon us, with Christmas lights sparkling above and the jingle of Santa’s bells approaching. If you haven’t already had a chance to see the store, it’s definately worth a visit and you might be able to start some Christmas shopping whilst you’re down there too!
Our Flagship Store in all it's glory!
We absolutely g"love" this Christmas tree
Our Gloves are hand finished and made from New Zealand Merino Wool
Tags: Brook Street, Christmas, Flagship Store, Frost, Gloves, Lea Mills, Matlock, Tree, Window
24th November 2010 | Film, Style | Leave a comment
The much awaited trailer for the film ‘Brighton Rock’ was released last week and we couldn’t be more excited here at John Smedley.
Brighton Rock hosts a cast of great British actors including Helen Mirren, John Hurt and Andy Serkis. The movie is based on a violent youth named Pinkie, who murders a man and marries a naive waitress who could destroy his alibi. He is pursued by a suspicious older woman who both wants to bring him to justice and protect the innocent girl. Expect to see lots of Vespas, Lambretta scooters, mini-skirts and hip huggers.
Costume director for Brighton Rock, Julien Day has not held back in heralding the use of John Smedley clothes throughout the film. Pieces include the infamous ‘Dorset’ three-button long sleeved shirt and ‘Buttercup’ our round neck, long sleeved ladies cardigan.
The official release date is February 4th 2011 and here at John Smedley we’re already excited to book our seats and tuck in to some popcorn! You can watch the trailer and read more about the film by visiting the Clothes on Film blog.
John Smedley - Worn in "Brighton Rock"
Tags: Andy Serkis, Brighton Rock, Buttercup, Cinema, Dorset, Film, Helen Mirren, John Hurt, Mod, Mopeds, Scooters, Vespa
23rd November 2010 | Music, Style, TV | Leave a comment
Olly Mur’s performance on the X Factor last night got us thinking of only one thing. How amazing he looked wearing his John Smedley ‘Dorset’ all-buttoned up. Bang on this season’s trend, celebrities and catwalks have taken a u-turn on low plunging necklines and maximum cleavage opting for a smarter, sophisticated look. Seen in men’s and women’s wear, this Autumn/Winter is all about high, buttoned-up collars.
Men, try an all-buttoned t-shirt such as Isis for a relaxed, casual feel and Dorset for a smarter look. This trend is perfect for all ages and is sure to keep your warm for the cold winter ahead.
Ladies, this trend works perfectly with the military trend or teamed up with your favourite leather for an edgy look. ‘Agatha’ is slim fitted and a comfortable alternative to a formal shirt. The geek chic trend has been seen everywhere from quirky spectacles, braces to blazers. Agatha is an essential piece to take you through to next season with our long socks being the ideal way to complete this look. ‘Lumen’ and our stripy socks ‘Phyllis’ also make the perfect stocking fillers!
Olly Murs sporting a John Smedley Dorset
Tags: Agatha, Autumn Winter, Buttoned, Dorset, Lumen, Olly Mur, Phyllis, Smart, X-Factor
09th November 2010 | Design, History, Style | Leave a comment
As most of you blog readers are aware, John Smedley prides itself on its 226 year heritage. John Smedley has come a long way since its humble roots in Derbyshire producing underwear, now offering a wide range of garments from bowties to briefs.
It was in 1922 when John Smedley’s Sea Island Cotton was first used to knit underwear. We are renowned worldwide for our Sea Island Cotton, with only the finest materials being sourced and used to produce the super soft feel which has led to produce some of John Smedley’s most iconic pieces, Leander and Pembroke.
The detail in producing the perfect garment is firstly hand-picking the cotton as it matures which maintains its purity and means we avoid a chemical defoliant. The result is ethically produced, exceptionally soft knitwear that can be worn and washed repeatedly. The qualities of John Smedley’s Sea Island Cotton make it perfect for underwear that’s closely fitted and feels beautiful against your skin.
Amongst the male underwear on offer today feature our long johns. Supposedly named after Big John Sullivan, a boxer in 1982 who was said to have never worn anything but, when in the ring. Where did he go to for his long john’s? John Smedley of course. The foundations of the long johns were created and are now available in Sea Island Cotton and Merino wool. They’re so practical and comfortable, they’ve even taken people up Mount Everest!
An ideal Christmas present for your loved ones this year, John Smedley underwear will give you a small taste of the brand and give an insight into the quality and attention to detail that goes into each garment. You’ll just have to start thinking of good excuses to stay in bed, snuggled up in your John Smedley this winter!
A great Men's Underwear shot, dug out from our archive
Tags: Heritage, Long Johns, Merino Wool, Sea Island Cotton, Underwear
09th November 2010 | Film, Style | Leave a comment
In November’s issue of the Shortlist, John Smedley’s roll necks feature under various blazers. You can read the article online here. Seen in Cream and Charcoal, these pullovers are the ideal accompaniment to create the perfect retro style look. This is a wardrobe must have and the combination of classic pieces teamed together to create fresh new looks is perfect. (Especially when we’re trying to be good on shopping treats on the run up to Christmas!) Inspired by Dustin Hoffman in the Graduate you’re sure to look the business in this classic style. If this look isn’t for you, why not team your roll neck with your favourite leather flying jacket for a take on this season’s aviator trend.
Get the "Graduate Look" with John Smedley
Top Gun! Roll Neck Teamed with Aviator Jacket :: Image Copright Cosmopolitan Magazine
Tags: Aviator, Dustin Hoffman, Pullover, Roll Neck, The Graduate, Top Gun
09th November 2010 | Style | Leave a comment
Black is undeniably the colour of choice when choosing a sophisticated, chic look. If you are unsure of what to wear to your Christmas functions’ this year, look no further. Our classic pieces including ‘Catkin’ and ‘Sandpiper’ will go beautifully with this season’s mid length skirt or high-waisted trousers. Our roll neck jumper ‘Catkin’ featured in The Times Magazine to wear alongside this season’s ‘it’ colour, caramel.
Another feature in November’s issue of Harpers Bazaar got us salivating here at John Smedley. ‘Geranium’ featured in the article, seen here in black showing how you can take this classic jumper and accessorize to create a truly spectacular look. A perfect way to wear your favourite little black jumper and sparkle at this year’s Christmas party.
Geranium as featured in Harpers Bazaar
Tags: Black, Catkin, Christmas, Geranium, Jumper, Sandpiper, The Times Magazine
08th November 2010 | Style | Leave a comment
There’s nothing more relaxing than feet up on a Sunday morning watching a spot of tv. Couldn’t help but notice Tim Lovejoy on BBC2’s “Something for the Weekend” sporting a John Smedley Marmaduke cardigan. Tim’s a huge fan of John Smedley, and our styles are perfect to fill his mod inspired wardrobe.
Marmaduke it is then :: Image Copyright BBC
Tags: BBC2, Marmaduke, Something for the Weekend, Sunday Morning, Tim Lovejoy
08th November 2010 | Style | Leave a comment
The ever changing weather means getting dressed in the morning is all that bit more difficult. We’ve spoke about layering before and cardigans are the perfect way to complete any look. Cardigans are set to take over every male wardrobe this Autumn/Winter with the popularity of the cardigan set to grow.
People of all ages are able to take on this trend, choosing lighter cardigans that can be worn underneath your coat or a heavier cardigan to wear over a t-shirt. ‘Harding’ our luxurious merino wool cardigan, has a collar and is perfect to wear over t-shirts or pullovers as a jacket.
This is a classic cardigan that is a true investment piece. For a younger look, you can try ‘Marmaduke’ made from merino wool. Countless features across editorials prove that ‘Harding’ is a hit this season and ‘Daimler’ a staple in creating the ‘preppy’ look. Hurry and get yours fast and you can get your hands on the cardigan that everyone’s lusting over.
Harding or Marmaduke.... Decisions, decisions!
Tags: Autumn Winter, Cardigan, Daimler, Harding, Layering, Marmaduke, Merino
05th November 2010 | Retail | Leave a comment
The entire John Smedley collection is now available to buy on your mobile device. If you’re a knitwear addict, this really could be the best news you’ve had all week! The John Smedley mobile store offers our entire range of menswear and womenswear, all resized perfectly for your mobile device screen.
The site is compatible with most mobile browsers, but works a treat on any Apple, Blackberry or Android device. Simply visit
www.johnsmedley.com from your mobile device and start shopping on the move today!
John Smedley Online Store, but in your hand!
Tags: Android, Apple, Blackberry, Iphone, Mobile, Online Store, Smartphone
05th November 2010 | Style | Leave a comment
Forget about the clocks going back and the night’s drawing in, this season is all about colour. The catwalks have been full of it, with block colouring harking back to one of John Smedley’s favourite eras, the 60’s. We were delighted to see a caramel ‘Geranium’ featured in Glamour, a colour we have fallen in love with and previously blogged about. Teamed with your favourite coloured accessories, where better to turn to for assistance with this trend but John Smedley. Our classic styles in a wide range of vibrant colours are the ideal way to take on this trend and are sure to take you through following seasons. For a more discreet way to try this style look to ‘Thymus’ our unisex scarf in starring colours ‘limelight’ and you too can be centre stage.
Colour Chaos
Tags: Caramel, Catwalks, Colour, Glamour Magazine, Limelight, Thymus
