Shopping bag
The old adage is that a company is “only as extraordinary as its employees” and in no business does this ring true more than at Private White V.C. here in Manchester.
Our kaleidoscopic culture is one of our undeniable strengths. Our workforce is blessed with over 25 widely contrasting backgrounds and nationalities from all corners of the globe.
On the surface we may well look very different but there is a shared desire and ambition amongst us all here to be the very best and this manifests itself in every single garment that goes through the factory.
Many of our makers have honed their craft over many years with us, often decades. Their passion, commitment, attention to detail, grit, determination, and humour are a joy to behold every single day.
They should each be celebrated and so without further ado.
The old adage is that a company is “only as extraordinary as its employees” and in no business does this ring true more than at Private White V.C. here in Manchester.
Our kaleidoscopic culture is one of our undeniable strengths. Our workforce is blessed with over 25 widely contrasting backgrounds and nationalities from all corners of the globe.
On the surface we may well look very different but there is a shared desire and ambition amongst us all here to be the very best and this manifests itself in every single garment that goes through the factory.
Many of our makers have honed their craft over many years with us, often decades. Their passion, commitment, attention to detail, grit, determination, and humour are a joy to behold every single day.
They should each be celebrated and so without further ado.
Our Founder
James Eden & Mike Stoll sit down to discuss the inspirational people, and products behind Private White V.C. together with their favourite designs from the current season.
Meet James 🇬🇧
14 Years of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
Growing up I was always fascinated by the tales my grandmother would tell me about the life of her father, Private Jack White V.C. He was such an iconic figure within the family. The legendary stories about him and his factory have stuck with me for as long as I can remember which is probably why I have always had such an innate and early fascination with those that dedicate themselves to craft & clothing.
What do you like about what do you do?
I love the variety, the creativity, the challenge and most of all the people. The guys and girls that work here are a next level of special.
What's your favourite garment?
The Moleskin Bomber is perfect in my eyes. I wear it almost religiously. It goes with absolutely everything and is just so comfortable.
How has the industry changed in your lifetime?
The progress we have made over the past decade is simply staggering. The factory was on the brink of the abyss almost 10 years ago but today it is absolutely thriving. We have grown the workforce by almost 5x and our international customer base is growing exponentially. The ambition is to continue growing sensibly and organically and we are now focusing our attention on a brand new factory that will futureproof the production and prospects for the next 100 years.
Meet Mike 🇬🇧
51 Years of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
My family was in clothing in Salford for over 100 years before me and so there was a clear path to follow. I left school at 14 and given that I couldn’t be a footballer or a film star, a career in textiles was the (only) logical step for me.
What do you like about what you do?
I love the people and the product so much. I am also immensely proud to say that we are the last remaining clothing factory in Manchester. Not so long ago there were thousands of mills all across the region.
How has the industry changed in your lifetime?
Sadly, it has gone from being a colossal industrial powerhouse on an international scale to a niche, craft industry led by ourselves and a handful of others.
What's your favourite garment
The cotton raincoat. I have been perfecting it all my life.
Our Founders
James Eden & Mike Stoll sit down to discuss the inspirational people, and products behind Private White V.C. together with their favourite designs from the current season.
Meet James 🇬🇧 14 Years of Service
What do you like about what you do?
I love the variety, the creativity, the challenge and most of all the people. The guys and girls that work here are a next level of special.
What's your favourite garment?
The Moleskin Bomber is perfect in my eyes. I wear it almost religiously. It goes with absolutely everything and is just so comfortable.
How long have you worked at the Factory?
Growing up I was always fascinated by the tales my grandmother would tell me about the life of her father, Private Jack White V.C. He was such an iconic figure within the family. The legendary stories about him and his factory have stuck with me for as long as I can remember which is probably why I have always had such an innate and early fascination with those that dedicate themselves to craft & clothing.
How has the industry changed in your lifetime?
The progress we have made over the past decade is simply staggering. The factory was on the brink of the abyss almost 10 years ago but today it is absolutely thriving. We have grown the workforce by almost 5x and our international customer base is growing exponentially. The ambition is to continue growing sensibly and organically and we are now focusing our attention on a brand new factory that will futureproof the production and prospects for the next 100 years.
Meet Mike 🇬🇧 51 Years of Service
How has the industry changed in your lifetime?
Sadly, it has gone from being a colossal industrial powerhouse on an international scale to a niche, craft industry led by ourselves and a handful of others.
What's your favourite garment?
The cotton raincoat. I have been perfecting it all my life.
How long have you worked at the Factory?
My family was in clothing in Salford for over 100 years before me and so there was a clear path to follow. I left school at 14 and given that I couldn’t be a footballer or a film star, a career in textiles was the (only) logical step for me.
What do you like about what you do?
I love the people and the product so much. I am also immensely proud to say that we are the last remaining clothing factory in Manchester. Not so long ago there were thousands of mills all across the region.
Our ‘Makers In Manchester’
Let our team of Makers guide you through the entire design, development & manufacturing process.
Garment Technician
I’m responsible for the technical drawings and specifications required to accompany a product as it goes through the manufacturing process. I have to clarify & document the methods of construction, stitch details etc. The factory works to such precise measurements that these reports need to be extremely comprehensive but also easy to follow.
Meet Lizzy 🇬🇧 14 Years of Service
What do you like about what do you do?
I just love seeing the garments coming to real life in real time. I also really enjoy learning. The product mix here has widened so greatly that I am constantly learning about new categories, methods of construction and the quirks and nuances that exist between different fabrics say from suede to silk.
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
I studied textiles at GCSE which I loved. I then did some work experience at the factory which I loved even more. I joined straight after university and have never looked back.
What is your favourite garment?
I just adore our Peacoat. It is such a classic. That said, after using the Doeskin Frobisher on a recent trip to Iceland I have a soft spot for it.
Sample Machinist
I make the prototypes for new designs & work extremely closely with the pattern cutters & garment technicians.
MEET SILIVA 🇹🇩 1 YEAR OF SERVICE
How far away from the factory do you live?
2 miles
How many years have you been at the factory for?
11 months and I am loving it so far.
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
I like to be creative.
What do you like about what you do?
Because it is demanding.
Fabric Cutter
I lay up the cloth onto the cutting table. I then place the lay markers onto the fabric and cut out the various panels. I tend to work most with a band knife but I do really love working with traditional shears.
Meet George 🇹🇩 5 Years of Service
What’s your favourite garment?
The Flight Jacket and Maker’s Jacket.
What do you like about what you do?
Every day is different and I am constantly working with different fabrics.
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
I have always been extremely interested in how garments are made.
Embroidery
I am responsible for the embroidery that goes on our garments, which includes badges, motifs & personalised initials.
Meet Angie 🇬🇧 1 Year of Service
What do you like about what you do?
Utility design in quality fabrics
What's your favourite garment?
Camel Cuddler
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
It’s in my DNA. My mother was a seamstress for the very first boutique in the north of the England.
Tell us a secret (something we don't know about you)
I single handily ran the Art Department on a short film. In 2018 it went on to win a BAFTA!
Ventile® Line Supervisor
I oversee one of the lines on the factory floor and I am tasked with making sure the level of quality and finish never dips. I used to be a Sample Machinist and I now spend a lot of time training new members of the team.
Meet Ahmed 🇦🇫 13 Years of Service
How many years have you been working at the factory?
13 years
What's your favourite garment?
The Ventile® Mac
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
The fabrics, style and quality.
What do you like about what you do?
The environment, with so many different nationalities and cultures, is really special.
Buttoning
I am responsible for any and all button related processes. Whether it be button holing, attaching the button or indeed whipping the thread once it is attached to ensure nothing ever comes off.
Meet Paul L. 🇹🇩 3 Years of Service
Tell us a secret (something we don't know about you)
I love everything about forensic, crime investigation. They are like bedtime stories to me.
How do you feel when you see our garments being worn around the world by customers & celebrities?
Proud
What are you currently watching?
‘I am a Murderer’
Pressing
I make sure the relevant seams, panels, facings etc are all pressed properly. This helps to ensure the fit, drape and overall presentation of the finished garment is as good as can be.
Meet Emran 🇧🇩 2 Years of Service
What’s your favourite garment?
I don’t have a favourite design. They are all equally great as far as I am concerned.
How far away from the factory do you live?
1km
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
I love the variety. Everyday I get a chance to try my hand at a new style and a new fabric. They all behave and react very differently.
Factory Manager & Logistics
I organise the planning of the factory & supervise the factory workers to ensure the operations run smoothly on top of all the management of materials entering & leaving the building.
Meet Carl 🇬🇧 4 Years of Service
What do you like about what you do?
I really enjoy the diversity of every day. I get to spend my time with all 70+ staff, so I’m able to be a part of every amazing garment that comes through the factory.
How has the factory changed in your lifetime?
I joined Private White V.C. during lockdown, so I’ve seen quite a lot of changes in my time here, from initially producing PPE for the NHS, then into developing our new Jersey range a long side all the usual outerwear items.
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
My main attraction was to the manufacturing side of things, especially small batch British made products. I’ve always loved being hands on creating things, as well as an having an interest in menswear. So after finding out that the Private White V.C. factory was so close to where I grew up I really pushed to get myself through the door.
Social Media & Content Creator
I bring the product, the people and the processes to life across all the various marketing channels.
Meet Mia 🇬🇧 2 Years of Service
How do you feel when you see our garments being worn around the world?
Seeing the time, dedication & effort that goes into every single process throughout the factory, you can’t help but feel immensely proud to work for such a great brand with quality & style at the core.
How many years have you been at the factory?
I have just celebrated my first year! After a month of interning I began creating content and running the social media channels full time.
Customer Service & Sales
I am forward facing and look after the customer once a purchase has been made. I deal with all sorts of queries, and special requests from around the world. At my last count I am on first name terms with guys & girls from 45 different countries.
Meet Sarah 🇬🇧 4 Years of Service
What do you like about what you do?
I am constantly meeting new people from all over the world, in all aspects and walks of life.
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
I was always interested in learning about how garments were made. There are so many variables that need to be discussed and determined before it ends up on the shop floor. It is something completely different to my former life as a lawyer.
How do you feel when you see our garments being worn around the world by customers & celebrities?
As Private White was my great grandpa it makes it that little more personal and extra special. It tells me that everyone is interested in the story and his legacy. It is a clear sign that people are supporting the brand too, as well as loving the style and quality of what we make!
Product Developer
I help to bring all the designs and ideas to fruition. From initial sketch, through the entire sampling process, I liaise closely with the pattern cutters, garment technicians and sample machinists to develop the best products possible.
Meet Amy 🇬🇧 4 Years of Service
What do you like about what you do?
I like the diversity of the role and the factory. I love working and learning from all my highly skilled and talented colleagues.
How long have you worked at the Factory?
I have spent just over 3 ½ years here, joining as a junior and working my way around the factory.
How has the factory changed since you have worked here?
When I first joined, we only really made woven garments. Over the past few years, we have set up an incredible jersey section which is arguably the best in the country. We have worked so hard to ensure our jersey is special as our outerwear.
Pattern Cutter & Machinist
I work in the Sampling department where I make patterns, samples & special commissions for clients.
MEET NICHOLAI 🇺🇦 2 YEARS OF SERVICE
What do you like about what you do?
Absolutely everything! I love making patterns and sewing garments whether it be men’s or ladies’ clothing.
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
My sister was a tailor and she taught me how to sew from a very early age.
Buyer & Production Planner
I handle all procurement and so I source all the raw materials, yarns, components etc. I also plan and schedule the various production lines to ensure they run as smoothly as possible.
Meet Alessia 🇮🇹 6 Years of Service
What do you like about what you do?
I like the diversity of my job and mixing with so many different skilled personalities and departments.
I appreciate every stage of the process and I have really enjoyed following each facet of the business from design to retail to eCommerce.
How has the factory changed in your lifetime?
The company has grown so much since I joined. We have added 2 more lines and introduced a number of brand new categories (from shirts and trousers to jersey and leather). It is incredible how we have been able to maintain our high standards across all these products.
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
I have loved clothes for as long as I can remember. My grandma used to make my clothes when I was a child and my uncle used to sell menswear in a village nearby.
I particularly love what you can discern about a person from what they are wearing and the quality and work that goes behind certain garments. There is so much more to a garment than most people appreciate. I see it as a form of art.
Cutting Room Auxiliary
I help to prepare the cut work before it goes to the factory floor for sewing. Whether it be fusing, dividing, overlocking, or sewing on back-neck labels.
Meet CHRISTINA 🇹🇩 4 Years of Service
How far from the factory do you live?
10 minutes walk
What are you currently watching?
American Express (Reality show)
Where did you go to school
Romania
What’s your favourite garment?
Moleskin Bomber. It is one of our hero pieces.
Senior Machinist
Primarily I focus on the forming and construction of the pockets. This is typically the most complicated and time-consuming part of the garment.
Meet YANIS 🇸🇾 11 Years of Service
How long does it take you to get to work?
20 mins by bus
What do you like about what you do?
It is everything I have done for the past 45 or so years.
How many years have you been working at the factory?
11 years
Sewing Machinist
I sit at the heart of one of the main sections on the factory floor & work on a huge variety of techniques & constructions.
Meet Paul G. 🇬🇧 3 Years of Service
What do you like about what you do?
We have a consistent range of core styles that are always fun to revisit but we also have a never-ending wave of brand-new styles, designs and fabrics which keeps things always interesting. It can often be very challenging, but I am always learning which is great.
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
I have always had a keen interest in clothes & fashion in general. Since I was a kid my mum kept us well turned out and the habit has well and truly stuck. I then went on to study art and fashion but I soon realised I was more interested in the construction side of things.
Finishing & Auxiliary
I am involved in the final phase of the garment and am responsible for securely attaching our copper hardware which include studs, rivets, press snaps, jean buttons etc.
Meet Maria 🇹🇩 6 Years of Service
What’s your favourite garment?
The Moleskin Bomber in brown. I just love the simplicity and the colour.
How many years have you been at the factory?
Over 10 years now and in this time I have worked in so many areas including seam sealing, bundling, overlocking, cover stitching and buttoning.
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
The factory has changed almost beyond recognition in my time. We have so many new product categories, including jersey, suede, leather and shirting.
Quality Control
I am responsible for vetting and inspecting any and all garments before they proceed to the warehouse. Each item is reviewed carefully to ensure it complies fully with the spec & copy coat.
Meet Petya 🇹🇩 1 Year of Service
What do you like about what you do?
I love everything I am doing right now
What’s your favourite garment?
I love the shirts
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
My family
Where did you go to school?
In Bulgaria
Marketing
I create a buzz round PWVC by hosting events, managing ambassadors and curating collaboration
Meet Louis 🇬🇧 1 Year of Service
What do you like about what you do?
I’m very lucky really, my day usually consists of meeting and talking to an assortment of fascinating people that are involved with PWVC. I can’t get enough of it. It happens to be my favourite thing to do in and outside my job so it suits me to the ground.
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
Since I can remember I’ve always been fascinated by the history of clothing. It has a lot to do with my mum working in luxury fashion in London in the 1980s and 90s. She taught me the value behind quality over quantity and steered me away from bold branding.
What’s your favourite album?
That’s difficult! I think I’d have to preface that by telling you that my music taste is eclectic and random at times so you’re on shifting sands asking that question. However, I recently rediscovered Tirzah’s ‘Devotion’ album, it’s brilliant.
E-commerce & Photography
I bring the product to our website by producing digital, print & photographic campaigns for our emails, journals & product pages.
Meet Alex 🇬🇧 4 Years of Service
What do you like about what you do?
I enjoy the variety of my work. Each week I can be working across multiple projects that involve anything from photography to web design.
What’s your favourite garment?
My favourite garment has to be the Permanent Style Donegal.
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
Being an inherently creative person I’ve always had a love for clothing & making. I find clothes to be a true expression of a person’s personality. To be a part of a business that gives people the ability to express themselves is a truly wonderful thing. Clothes can be worn for purpose or for fun and every person has their own take on it. However, the part I love the most is how the right outfit can bring confidence to its wearer.
Discover our quality
& visit the factory.
Our Manchester Factory Store is by appointment only.
Our ‘Makers In Manchester’
Let our team of Makers guide you through the entire design, development & manufacturing process.
Garment Technician
I’m responsible for the technical drawings and specifications required to accompany a product as it goes through the manufacturing process. I have to clarify & document the methods of construction, stitch details etc.
Meet Lizzy 🇬🇧
14 Years of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
I studied textiles at GCSE which I loved. I then did some work experience at the factory which I loved even more. I joined straight after university and have never looked back.
What do you like about what do you do?
I just love seeing the garments coming to real life in real time. I also really enjoy learning. The product mix here has widened so greatly that I am constantly learning about new categories, methods of construction and the quirks and nuances that exist between different fabrics say from suede to silk.
What is your favourite garment?
I just adore our Peacoat. It is such a classic. That said, after using the Doeskin Frobisher on a recent trip to Iceland I have a soft spot for it.
Sample Machinist
I make the prototypes for new designs & work extremely closely with the pattern cutters & garment technicians.
Meet Siliva 🇹🇩
1 Year of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
I like to be creative
What do you like about what you do?
Because it is demanding
How far away from the factory do you live?
2 miles
How many years have you been at the factory for?
11 months and I am loving it so far.
Fabric Cutter
I lay up the cloth onto the cutting table. I then place the lay markers onto the fabric and cut out the various panels. I tend to work most with a band knife but I do really love working with traditional shears.
Meet George 🇹🇩
5 Years of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
I have always been extremely interested in how garments are made.
What’s your favourite garment?
The Flight Jacket and Maker’s Jacket.
What do you like about what you do?
Every day is different and I am constantly working with different fabrics.
Embroidery
I help to prepare the cut work before it goes to the factory floor for sewing. Whether it be fusing, dividing, overlocking, or sewing on back-neck labels.
Meet Angie 🇬🇧
1 Year of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
It’s in my DNA. My mother was a seamstress for the very first boutique in the north of the England.
What do you like about what you do?
Utility design in quality fabrics.
What's your favourite garment?
The Camel Cuddler
Tell us a secret (something we don't know about you)
I single handily ran the Art Department on a short film. In 2018 it went on to win a BAFTA!
Ventile® Line Supervisor
I oversee one of the lines on the factory floor and I am tasked with making sure the level of quality and finish never dips. I used to be a Sample Machinist and I now spend a lot of time training new members of the team.
Meet Ahmed 🇦🇫
13 Years of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
The fabrics, style and quality.
What do you like about what you do?
The environment, with so many different nationalities and cultures, is really special.
How many years have you been working at the factory?
13 years
What's your favourite garment?
The Ventile® Mac
Buttoning
I am responsible for any and all button related processes. Whether it be button holing, attaching the button or indeed whipping the thread once it is attached to ensure nothing ever comes off.
Meet Paul L. 🇹🇩
3 Years of Service
How do you feel when you see our garments being worn around the world by customers & celebrities?
Proud
What are you currently watching?
‘I am a Murderer’
Tell us a secret (something we don't know about you)
I love everything about forensic, crime investigation. They are like bedtime stories to me.
Pressing
I make sure the relevant seams, panels, facings etc are all pressed properly. This helps to ensure the fit, drape and overall presentation of the finished garment is as good as can be.
Meet Emran 🇧🇩
2 Years of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
I love the variety. Everyday I get a chance to try my hand at a new style and a new fabric. They all behave and react very differently.
What’s your favourite garment?
I don’t have a favourite design. They are all equally great as far as I am concerned.
How far away from the factory do you live?
1km
Factory Manager & Logistics
I organise the planning of the factory & supervise the factory workers to ensure the operations run smoothly on top of all the management of materials entering & leaving the building.
Meet Carl 🇬🇧
4 Years of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
My main attraction was to the manufacturing side of things, especially small batch British made products. I’ve always loved being hands on creating things, as well as an having an interest in menswear. So after finding out that the Private White V.C. factory was so close to where I grew up I really pushed to get myself through the door.
What do you like about what you do?
I really enjoy the diversity of every day. I get to spend my time with all 70+ staff, so I’m able to be a part of every amazing garment that comes through the factory.
How has the factory changed in your lifetime?
I joined Private White V.C. during lockdown, so I’ve seen quite a lot of changes in my time here, from initially producing PPE for the NHS, then into developing our new Jersey range a long side all the usual outerwear items.
Social Media & Content Creator
I bring the product, the people and the processes to life across all the various marketing channels.
Meet Mia 🇬🇧
2 Years of Service
How many years have you been at the factory?
I have just celebrated my first year! After a month of interning I began creating content and running the social media channels full time.
How do you feel when you see our garments being worn around the world?
Seeing the time, dedication & effort that goes into every single process throughout the factory, you can’t help but feel immensely proud to work for such a great brand with quality & style at the core.
Customer Service & Sales
I am forward facing and look after the customer once a purchase has been made. I deal with all sorts of queries, and special requests from around the world. At my last count I am on first name terms with guys & girls from 45 different countries.
Meet Sarah 🇬🇧
4 Years of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
I was always interested in learning about how garments were made. There are so many variables that need to be discussed and determined before it ends up on the shop floor. It is something completely different to my former life as a lawyer.
What do you like about what you do?
I am constantly meeting new people from all over the world, in all aspects and walks of life.
How do you feel when you see our garments being worn around the world by customers & celebrities?
As Private White was my great grandpa it makes it that little more personal and extra special. It tells me that everyone is interested in the story and his legacy. It is a clear sign that people are supporting the brand too, as well as loving the style and quality of what we make!
Product Developer
I help to bring all the designs and ideas to fruition. From initial sketch, through the entire sampling process, I liaise closely with the pattern cutters, garment technicians and sample machinists to develop the best products possible.
Meet AMY 🇬🇧
4 Years of Service
How long have you worked at the Factory?
I have spent just over 3 ½ years here, joining as a junior and working my way around the factory.
What do you like about what you do?
I like the diversity of the role and the factory. I love working and learning from all my highly skilled and talented colleagues.
How has the factory changed since you have worked here?
When I first joined, we only really made woven garments. Over the past few years, we have set up an incredible jersey section which is arguably the best in the country. We have worked so hard to ensure our jersey is special as our outerwear.
Pattern Cutter & Machinist
I work in the Sampling department where I make patterns, samples & special commissions for clients.
Meet Nicholai 🇺🇦
2 Years of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
My sister was a tailor and she taught me how to sew from a very early age.
What do you like about what you do?
Absolutely everything! I love making patterns and sewing garments whether it be men’s or ladies’ clothing.
Buyer & Production Planner
I handle all procurement and so I source all the raw materials, yarns, components etc. I also plan and schedule the various production lines to ensure they run as smoothly as possible.
Meet Alessia 🇮🇹
6 Years of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
I have loved clothes for as long as I can remember. My grandma used to make my clothes when I was a child and my uncle used to sell menswear in a village nearby.
I particularly love what you can discern about a person from what they are wearing and the quality and work that goes behind certain garments. There is so much more to a garment than most people appreciate. I see it as a form of art.
What do you like about what you do?
I like the diversity of my job and mixing with so many different skilled personalities and departments.
I appreciate every stage of the process and I have really enjoyed following each facet of the business from design to retail to eCommerce.
How has the factory changed in your lifetime?
The company has grown so much since I joined. We have added 2 more lines and introduced a number of brand new categories (from shirts and trousers to jersey and leather). It is incredible how we have been able to maintain our high standards across all these products.
Cutting Room Auxiliary
I help to prepare the cut work before it goes to the factory floor for sewing. Whether it be fusing, dividing, overlocking, or sewing on back-neck labels.
Meet CHRISTINA 🇹🇩
4 Years of Service
Where did you go to school?
Romania
What’s your favourite garment?
Moleskin Bomber. It is one of our hero pieces.
How far from the factory do you live?
10 minutes walk
What are you currently watching?
American Express (Reality show)
Senior Machinist
Primarily I focus on the forming and construction of the pockets. This is typically the most complicated and time-consuming part of the garment.
Meet Yanis 🇸🇾
11 Years of Service
What do you like about what you do?
It is everything I have done for the past 45 or so years
How many years have you been working at the factory?
11 years
How long does it take you to get to work?
20 mins by bus
Sewing Machinist
I sit at the heart of one of the main sections on the factory floor & work on a huge variety of techniques & constructions.
Meet Paul G. 🇬🇧
3 Years of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
I have always had a keen interest in clothes & fashion in general. Since I was a kid my mum kept us well turned out and the habit has well and truly stuck. I then went on to study art and fashion but I soon realised I was more interested in the construction side of things.
What do you like about what you do?
We have a consistent range of core styles that are always fun to revisit but we also have a never-ending wave of brand-new styles, designs and fabrics which keeps things always interesting. It can often be very challenging, but I am always learning which is great.
Finishing & Auxiliary
I am involved in the final phase of the garment and am responsible for securely attaching our copper hardware which include studs, rivets, press snaps, jean buttons etc.
Meet Maria 🇹🇩
6 Years of Service
How has the industry changed in your lifetime?
The factory has changed almost beyond recognition in my time. We have so many new product categories, including jersey, suede, leather and shirting.
What’s your favourite garment?
The Moleskin Bomber in brown. I just love the simplicity and the colour.
How many years have you been at the factory?
Over 10 years now and in this time I have worked in so many areas including seam sealing, bundling, overlocking, cover stitching and buttoning.
Quality Control
I am responsible for vetting and inspecting any and all garments before they proceed to the warehouse. Each item is reviewed carefully to ensure it complies fully with the spec and copy coat.
Meet Petya 🇹🇩
1 Year of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
My family
Where did you go to school?
In Bulgaria
What’s your favourite garment?
I don’t have a favourite design. They are all equally great as far as I am concerned.
How far away from the factory do you live?
1km
Marketing
I create a buzz round PWVC by hosting events, managing ambassadors and curating collaboration.
Meet Louis 🇬🇧
1 Year of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
Since I can remember I’ve always been fascinated by the history of clothing. It has a lot to do with my mum working in luxury fashion in London in the 1980s and 90s. She taught me the value behind quality over quantity and steered me away from bold branding.
What do you like about what you do?
I’m very lucky really, my day usually consists of meeting and talking to an assortment of fascinating people that are involved with PWVC. I can’t get enough of it. It happens to be my favourite thing to do in and outside my job so it suits me to the ground.
What’s your favourite album?
That’s difficult! I think I’d have to preface that by telling you that my music taste is eclectic and random at times so you’re on shifting sands asking that question. However, I recently rediscovered Tirzah’s ‘Devotion’ album, it’s brilliant.
E-commerce, Design & Photography
I bring the product to our website by producing digital, print & photographic campaigns for our emails, journals & product pages.
Meet Alex 🇬🇧
4 Years of Service
What attracted you to textiles, clothing & manufacturing?
Being an inherently creative person I’ve always had a love for clothing & making. I find clothes to be a true expression of a person’s personality. To be a part of a business that gives people the ability to express themselves is a truly wonderful thing. Clothes can be worn for purpose or for fun and every person has their own take on it. However, the part I love the most is how the right outfit can bring confidence to its wearer.
What do you like about what you do?
I enjoy the variety of my work. Each week I can be working across multiple projects that involve anything from photography to web design.
What’s your favourite garment?
My favourite garment has to be the Permanent Style Donegal.
Discover our quality & visit the factory.
Our Manchester Factory Store is by appointment only.
Discover our quality & visit the factory.
Our Manchester Factory Store is by appointment only.