Manchester’s Hidden Gems

At the mention of Riri, Mike Stoll, MD at Private White VC and veteran of the Manchester clothing industry, vanishes into his extensive archive and reappears - his arms laden with coats. Selecting one, Stoll explains: “I must have worn this jacket for about 14 years. It’s worn out but the zip is like new.” A demonstration reveals it still works perfectly.

A picture speaks a thousand words and in the background of our boardroom you will see a montage of photographs, pencil drawings, hand-written letters, and even a 50 year old school report addressed to our Managing Director, Michael (Graham) Stoll who is approaching his half-century at the factory.

This is the new Donegal Overcoat - the update on the raglan coat released last year.  The only change on that version is the colour and the weight of the cloth. We decided to go with a heavier tweed this year, to make it into a true Winter coat: it's now 800g rather than 620g.

Water proofing all boils down to one thing - fabric, and few do it better than an old faithful friend of ours; Ventile.

Two iconic luxury British brands, Jaguar and Private White V.C., have collaborated to create a limited edition line of classic Harrington jackets.Designed to reflect the finest in British craftsmanship, the garment

The road ahead is teeming with tweeds, frocks, flat caps and pin-up curls. Groups of men in dirty overalls congregate outside a Shell garage that looks like it has escaped a Hollywood film set.

On the first day in his new role as the Ambassadorial President of the British Fashion Council what is the first thing that David Beckham does?

Stop for a moment to think about the overcoat hanging in your closet. The sweaters folded in your bureau. The suits in their garment bags. Chances are, they’re made from wool.