Marks & Spencer launch THE ORIGINALS – Reworked-Remade-Responsible
Introducing a curated collection of twenty five hero items. Reinventing archive pieces for 2021 inspired by pieces from the M&S archive in Leeds, with a focus on supreme sustainability paying homage to unique British legacy. M&S Originals creates carefully manufactured, responsible menswear, the limited edition collection celebrates their incredible provenance and Plan A commitment. The range has been designed with a focus on using the most innovative natural wools, organic cottons and sustainable recycled fabrics, linings buttons and threads. Iconic archive pieces have been reworked in modern cuts with renewed considered details to reflect modern menswear with an easy and confident approach to style. The M&S Originals logo is inspired by a logo found in the archive that was used between the years 1925 to 1939.
Back in the 1950s M&S made a sharply dressed figure they called Marksman, named after the WWII Spitfire M&S staff helped pay for. As homage to Marksman, and to celebrate the inaugural M&S Originals collection, they asked artist Keiichiro Ito to use his skill in creating small-scale style craft perfect miniature versions of the outfits, each miniature model will be housed in the famous M&S archive in Leeds which holds over 71,000 items dating from 1884 to the present day.
The Limited Edition collection of heritage pieces from the M&S archive are reimagined with a modern approach to design and pioneering sustainability. Knitwear is a key focus within the collection and is produced from Lambswool and pure Merino meeting the Responsible Wool Standards that addresses the welfare of sheep and the land they graze on, ensuring that wool comes from farms that have a progressive approach to protecting soil health, biodiversity and native species. Social welfare, working conditions and health and safety of workers is also addressed. Certification provided by the RWS ensures that the identity of the wool is always maintained from the farm to the final product. The knitwear range includes traditional Aran cables in a crew neck and sleeveless V-Neck. Knits echo iconic knitwear from fisherman guernsey knits to complex Fairisle and relaxed rib cardigans with a rib beanie and recycled wool socks to complete the range.
The Farsley Harris tweed Blazer is hand woven by the islanders of the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Made from 100% Pure New Wool that is dyed, blended, carded, spun, warped, woven, finished and stamped, certified and guaranteed by Harris Tweed Authority to be genuine. The tailored fit echoes modernised styling in a softer construction on the shoulder and contemporary trims.
The Rothwell Wool Blazer is made from wool woven in the UK in a classic airforce blue. The mill Abraham Moon & Sons, based North of Leeds, produce natural fabrics in the highest quality and are synonymous with British tailoring. The blazer draws inspiration from classic archive styling whilst bringing in a modern utility inspired twist with patch pockets and features natural brown corozo buttons.
The Harewood Trouser is cut to a modern tailored fit featuring a pleat and cuff turn up and side cinch. Made from pure Merino wool woven at Alfred Brown mill in the UK, crafted in a light grey flannel.
Keiichiro Ito [Artist] wearing The Allerton half-zip knit (Red top)
Robert Storey [Set Designer] wearing The Otley wool gilet and The Barley wool cable knit (blue gilet and ecru jumper)
Liaqat Rasul [Artist] wearing The Farsley tweed blazer (Brown jacket)
David Burton [Photographer] wearing The Eastgate funnel knit (Blue top)
Robert Storey [Set Designer] wearing The Jorvik knit and The Rothwell blazer (Blue pattered top and blue jacket)
Keiichiro Ito [Artist] wearing The Farsley tweed blazer and The Saxton cardigan
Robert Storey [Set Designer] wearing The Carlton wool cable vest (and beanie hat)
Keiichiro Ito [Artist] wearing The Bridlington wool gansey (and beanie hat)