MY 'DATE' WITH JOHN SMEDLEY

On the 26th August I was lucky enough to be handed a golden ticket and invited to the John Smedley Mill in Derby, this is what I found when  I got there......
After a short train journey from St pancras and a short drive, 5 of us drove up to the Mill, I could not help thinking we were entering Willy Wonka's Factory, as a big fan this is what it was like.  The building has been used by John Smedley since 1784 and you feel like you are stepping back in history in this ancient momument buidling, where the company was started by Peter Nightingale grandfather of Florence and of course John Smedley  

On entering the building we are greeted by Dawn the current CEO who was both warm and welcoming, she shows us into the showroom which is our first port of call now I really feel like a kid in a candy store.  We are joined by the current menswear, Ladieswear and boutique line designers and we talk about the Autumn/winter 10 and the forthcoming Spring/summer 11 lines. Both lines are a triumph for Smedley who started off many many years ago making Long Johns hence the name .  I see Vibrant and stylish knitwear along with tailored shirts, waistcoats and trousers for men and innovative pieces from the boutique collection for ladies all from the A/W 10 collection.  The Spring/summer 11 is based on a traveller theme with bright oranges, reds, lime greens for Miami down to natuical stripes and clean lines for city breaks.

SOME JOHN SMEDLEY FACTS:

Garments are processed with integrity

The company exports to 30 different countries around the world

Produces approx 430,000 garments a year, around 8,000 per week

All garments have a name

Have a huge Mod following

Counts the Queen, Princes William and Harry, as well as a host of celebrities as customers

The Merino wool used is obtained from wool farmers in New Zealand for its softness

In the near future the company will be aiming to become more cutting edge and innovative whilst remaining true to what they are famous for.

Cotton in its natural form

H.M King Geogre VI on a visit to Lea Mills May 1933

BACK TO THE TOUR...

As we walk around the factory we are shown the relationship between old and new technology,  which when  seen in production enhances the quality.  The garment changes hands up to 36 times from start to finish, then checked and washed vigorously, then later sewn together by hand a practice that has been done for many years. 

From start to finish of the tour you can see the 400 plus staff enjoy what they do and the garments are actually loved, there is a sense of family an old school factory with a modern twist.  For the future I can only imagine John Smedley will go from strength to strength after all they celebrated 225  years in business in 2009.

On the factory floor

If ever you are in Derby or just passing through, drop into the Mill shop for quality garments at competitive prices.  As a fan of John Smedley knitwear I always thought I bought quality but now after visiting the Mill I know I do.  I can only offer one tip, start saving up because once you see the spring summer collection  you will want everything I DO!.



For more info about John Smedley http://www.johnsmedley225.com/






FROM A/W 10 COLLECTION

To view more of the A/W10 collection and all other lines go to http://www.johnsmedley.com/


Special thanks to the staff at Bryan Morel PR.