Roger Federer wearing what we believe is John Smedley’s most iconic long sleeved, 3 button polo shirt, Dorset in a current Rolex campaign. Identifiable by the fully fashioned shoulder detail and fashioned collar, Dorset seen here in silver, is as classic as it gets. Made from extra-fine Merino wool, Dorset is a fine gauge shirt with a rib hem and turn back rib cuffs for a smart finish. It’s nice to see Rolex’s strap line is ‘united by setting a standard to which all others aspire’ – something which applies to all of our knitwear!
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Posts Tagged ‘Dorset’
I Spy Smedley
13th February 2013 | I Spy Smedley, Music, Pic of the Day, Press, Style | Leave a commentMiles Kane rocking Dorset in Cranberry whilst warming up for a gig in Manchester. Dorset, is one of our most iconic styles made from the finest Merino wool. A 3 button shirt, Dorset has fashioned shoulders, a rib hem and cuffs for a perfect fit. Check out Kane’s new track Give Up, out 23rd February 2013.
Many thanks to Chris Dolan, our brand manager at Harvey Nichols for the post.
Christmas Gift Guide
29th November 2012 | Colour, Design, Fun, General, Pic of the Day, Retail, Style | Leave a commentIf you’re struggling to think of what gifts to buy for your loved ones this Christmas, look no further. We have put together a little gift guide to help make your present buying easier this Christmas.
For our men, we recommend one of our most iconic garments, Dorset. Made from the finest Merino wool, Dorset is a long sleeved shirt with fashioned shoulders and rib trims for an uncompromising fit. Our accessories make ideal stocking fillers and our Hanover hat with matching gloves Sutton are a sure win. Made from a luxurious fibre mix of 80% super-fine wool, 10% silk and 10% cashmere, this matching set is the ultimate in luxury. Our Seaboots socks are lovingly hand made in Great Britain and feature hand linked toes. Seaboots are a great way to jazz up any outfit this Christmas.
For our ladies, our long sleeved crew neck cardigan Amina is made from extra-fine Merino wool and is the perfect layer to dress up or down. Matching hat and gloves, Ronay and Sabbia feature a small button detail adding a feminine touch and making them a beautiful set. Look to Thymus for the perfect classic scarf in this season’s hottest colour Pinotage.
Good Vibrations
25th October 2012 | Design, Film, Fun, General, Press | Leave a commentOn Friday I had the privilege of being invited to the film premiere of ‘Good Vibrations’ in Leicester Square, London. The film is about the Godfather of the Belfast Punk Scene Terri Hooley, who ran the Good Vibrations Record label in the punk era. The label released The Undertones ‘Teenage Kicks‘ single in the 1970’s. The film’s soundtrack was put together by Legendary Belfast Producer David Holmes, who wrote the Soundtracks for the films Ocean’s 11,12 & 13.
In attendance on Friday was Lead Singer from Primal Scream Bobby Gillespie, Liam Gallagher and BBC Radio DJ Lauren Laverne. I made sure I represented John Smedley by wearing the black ‘Dorset’shirt.
Written by Christopher Dolan
John Smedley * Comme des Garcons
26th March 2012 | Design, Press, Retail, Style | Leave a commentJohn Smedley is proud to announce a limited edition capsule collaboration with Comme des Garçons. Limited to just 33 garments at Brook Street, each of the three Spring styles are colour-dyed in Japan by Comme des Garçons and spun in super-fine merino wool at John Smedley’s Derbyshire mill.
The range includes a deep v-neck cardigan and short-sleeved shirt, alongside John Smedley’s iconic three-button ‘Dorset’ shirt. The three styles are each available in three shades of blue; midnight, royal and azure. A light contrast stitching creates subtle detailing.
Launching today, the John Smedley x Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons Man range will be exclusively available through Dover Street Market and John Smedley’s Brook Street store.
John Smedley Ltd
24 Brook Street
London
W1K 5DG
Tel: +44 (0)207 495 2222
Your John Smedley Christmas Guide
15th December 2010 | Retail, Style | Leave a commentIt’s getting closer to Christmas and we thought it’d be useful to showcase some of the fantastic deals we have on offer at the minute. It’ll have everyone putting John Smedley at the top of their wish list this Christmas with discounted essentials and suggestions on how to piece together garments with complimentary accessories.
If like me, you are stuck for present ideas, why not look to our top up service which includes men’s 24 gauge Merino Wool with all pullovers currently reduced. Offered in 7 colourways, styles include ‘Country’, ‘Turner’, ‘Continent’, ‘Daimler’, ‘Mountain’ and ‘Summit’. Teamed with our beautiful scarves such as ‘Chase’ and ‘Elroy’ these are the perfect way to complete your winter look.
For women, our top up service includes our essential 30 gauge Merino Wool sweaters ‘Orchid’, ‘Geranium’, ‘Catkin’ and our signature long sleeved cardigan ‘Buttercup.’ Offered in black, charcoal and midnight these key pieces are classic John Smedley and will last for years. If you fancy adding a splash of colour, why not try ‘Thymus’ and ‘Aggie’ available in a wide range of colours with our beret to complete this Christmas outfit.
We’ve put together complimentary women’s pieces to help piece a complete look:
Nina our sleevless wrap style cardigan in bitter chocolate can be worn losely over your top or wrap it around snugly and tie with belt. Accessorise with ‘Eunice’ our tonal stripe scarf with contrast block of colour at both ends and ‘Careen’ our socks, which use the same stripe with contrast on heel and toe.

Style Nina - great for layering.
For a more formal look, try ‘Gracie’ over our scoop neck short sleeved sweater ‘Tottie’ for a chic twinset. Availble in black and winter white, you can add some colour to this outfit with ‘Sissy’, a vertical striped scarf which includes a winter white stripe to compliment the outfit. The perfect way to brighten up any cold, winter’s day.
Complimentary menswear pieces that make the perfect Christmas gift:
For men, try a John Smedley classic, ‘Dorset’ in feather grey which can be teamed wth ‘Turner’ in Nocturne and its complimentary colour block accessories, ‘Chase’, ‘Conway’ and ‘Chip’
Alternatively, try new jacket style ‘Harding’ in a luxurious Merino/Cashmere blend. Teamed with ‘Richards’ underneath and ‘Taurus’ our merino wool hat, this is the perfect combination for keeping out the cold.

Style Harding - a great winter warmer
Made in Britain, all our garments go through 35 hand finishing processes to deliver the high level of quality seen in every product. Perfect for your loved ones, these gifts will stand the test of time and won’t be disgarded along with your ‘i will you use it one day’ foot spa and coffee makers!
There’s no need to trapse around the shops and wonder around not knowing what to buy, our next day delivery within the UK makes your Christmas shopping all that bit less stressful and rewarding knowing you can shop at ease from the comfort of your home. (Now all I need is a santa’s little helper to wrap all the presents!) Order now to avoid dissapointment!
Stick of Brighton Rock
24th November 2010 | Film, Style | Leave a commentThe 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"
It’s a Mod Thing
20th July 2010 | Style | Leave a commentSome of you interested in the mod world may have discovered the web viral series “Svengali“. The mod inspired show follows a character called “Dixie” who works in a record store whilst waiting for his big break in the music industry. Episode 8 featured the comedy genius that is Martin Freeman (of The Office fame), wearing a John Smedley Dorset shirt, perfectly teamed with a cravat. How did we spot this, you may ask yourself? Well the tip-off came from our Mill Store Manager who remembers selling the said garment to Martin some time ago. Martin has previously confessed as to being a mod, and he’s on the right track with this kind of style!
Rock And Roles
12th April 2010 | General | Leave a commentJohn Smedley has landed a leading role in the film remake of Graham Greene’s classic 1939 novel Brighton Rock, due to be released this year.
The British gangster film, which stars Oscar winner Helen Mirren, John Hurt and Sam Riley, has been updated by writer/director Rowan Joffe to a 1964 setting, at the height of the clashes between the Mods and Rockers.
The original 1947 film, starring Richard Attenborough as the psychotic lead character Pinkie (played by Riley in the remake), was set in the 1930s. The decision to make the setting more contemporary gave costume designer Julian Day the perfect excuse for selecting a range of John Smedley garments for the lead characters.
He said: “John Smedley is a classic British institution that creates great quality, longlasting and exciting clothing. The reason I initially looked at John Smedley for Brighton Rock is that it seemed to fit the era and the personalities of the lead characters so well. The clothing is so well made‚ it’s just beautiful and it looks fantastic on camera. Among the Smedley garments featured in the film, Mirren wore the quintessential Merino wool cardigan Buttercup, in black, while Riley sported the timeless three-button polo shirts Dorset and Elliott, both in ultra-fine New Zealand Merino wool.
Brighton is not the only form of rock that has been singing the praises of John Smedley lately. Manchester indie rock band The Courteeners have revealed that the lyric, “I’ll get my dignity, Smedley, my brogues and I’ll go” in their song Revolver, is a direct nod to the brand. Meanwhile, Nottingham band The Soundcarriers have recently been photographed in their favourite Smedleys for their new album, Celeste.












