Leveraging The Lockdown, UK Manpowr And Surplus Fabrics, JW Anderson Launches Limited-Edition Capsule
JW Anderson has introduced a limited-edition, eco-conscious capsule collection: Made in Britain. As the name implies, the collection of 6 ready-to-wear styles and accessories is produced in Britain. Conceived as a sustainable and local initiative using UK based factories and surplus fabrics and trims from previous seasons, Made in Britain took local to a new level when the brand was confronted with the new realities of working during a Covid-19 quarantine.
The concept and samples were developed during the lockdown in London with pattern cutters, machinists, and even fit models trading fabrics and garments via messengers with Jonathan Anderson, Founder and Creative Director of JW Anderson, and the design team supervising the process via video calls, text messages and emailed images.
Anderson imagined iconic shapes and silhouettes from the brand for the collection, including oversized shirts, a trench, a cape, a dress, and t-shirts that made use of existing surplus materials. The collection uses fabrics from pre-existing orders that have become staples of JW Anderson, such as heavy stonewashed linen and pin-stripe shirting to reduce waste. Signature techniques like patchwork, reverse stitching, and raw and exposed seams were also used to produce garments instantly recognizable as JW Anderson with trims also from the brand’s existing stock. The collection also includes 6 new versions of the iconic JW Anderson penis keyring handcrafted by independent suppliers right in London.
It is really important for me that we become more eco-conscious and sustainable even as a relatively small brand. The idea with Made in Britain was to create something new but be resourceful with materials we already have and keep the production local.
– Jonathan Anderson
Anderson went on to add, “We’ve also started using recycled materials in our canvas totes and backpacks. These are beginning steps but I want them to be real and concrete as we work to become more sustainable every year.”
The Made in Britain collection will be available exclusively at JW Anderson’s London Soho flagship store and online at JWAnderson.com and FarFetch.com.
