John Smedley launches debut lifestyle collection and other fashion news

Founded in 1784 in Derbyshire, John Smedley has a rich heritage (after all, it holds two Royal Warrants) and has long traded with Japan, having exported its knitted underwear in merino, cotton and silk for over a century. Fun fact: Smedley was the original creator of long johns and made a pair exclusively for the Emperor of Japan.

Now celebrating 110 years of trading in Japan, John Smedley has launched its first lifestyle collection to mark the occasion and as such has been designed with the brand’s Japanese retail partners. Expect a 10-piece unisex collection including tailoring, jackets and coats made in Japan, marking the first time manufacturing has taken place outside its Derbyshire headquarters.

On the importance of Japan to the brand, Jess Mcguire-Dudley, deputy managing director, says: “John Smedley has been operating in Japan for over 110 years and it is our second largest market after the UK. For decades, we have worked closely with our colleagues in Japan to understand their consumers and adapt our products both in design and suitability for their market.” She continues: “This new collection is a reflection of this process with the pieces being manufactured in Japan but adapted to our global consumer. Furthermore, historically, the Japanese market has also always been important, with important milestones such as the creation of silk, merino and cotton long johns for the Emperor of Japan in 1900, being fundamental in our archives.”

Adapting the offering to this market, the Japanese customer is younger and more fashion-oriented than their European and North American counterparts, while also appreciating its combination of legacy and innovation; About this, Jess says: “The silhouettes offer a nod to the past with working-class details on jackets and traditional outerwear collar details pointing to the 1930s, which was a key decade for John Smedley, and innovation in more unisex pieces. contemporary designs that suit the new generation of demographics that are interacting with our brand around the world. It’s a mix of contemporary design lenses with a vision of the future, but which respects the past.”

See more at johnsmedley.com.

Erdem opens a store in Seoul: Located in Shinsegae Gangnam in Seoul’s Gangnam district, this is Erdem’s first store outside of London and, inspired by the city, he says: “Seoul is one of my favorite cities in the world and it’s an exciting step to have a new house in South Korea.”

This hollowed-out home, which was designed by London design architect P Joseph, who is also behind the look of the designer’s Mayfair flagship store, features familiar design codes and nods to the London outpost. Touchingly, there is a folding screen that references a portrait of Erdem’s mother by British artist Kaye Donachie, and the original oil painting hangs in the South Audley Street store.

British brand Rosa de la Cruz launches new pieces online: For fun, playful jewelry you’ll want to wear again and again, head to Rosa de la Cruz. Lucky for us, there have been a few new additions recently, including the timeless ‘Double Wrap Mariner Link’ bracelet (a style that dates back to the 1800s), the yellow gold and diamond ‘I Love You’ ring, and classic hoops. Keep your eyes peeled for the line of bills arriving soon.

Dior launches its Caro backpack: Move aside Lady Dior (just kidding, we love you LD), there’s a new bag in town and it’s a special item, named after Christian Dior’s sister Catherine, aka Caro. First launched as part of the Dior Cruise 2025 collection, the backpack is made in the Maison’s Italian workshop and comes in different shades, from black, powder beige and denim blue, and in small and medium sizes. Paying homage to Catherine, the style also incorporates many exclusive Dior codes, featuring the iconic Cannage motif and punctuated by the gold-tone “CD” initials.

Buy the ‘Manolo Silhouette’ edition: Calling all Manolo Blahnik fans, the ‘Manolo’s Silhouettes’ edition, which showcases Blahnik’s quintessential styles, is now available in store and online. The curation of beloved styles includes Mary Jane (who celebrates her 30th birthday this year), BB, Carolyne and Maysale – all admired for their storied pasts, from royal and VIP outfits to starring in iconic campaigns.