Two Very British Brands, One very typical British Summer – Umbro X John Smedley

Summer 2012 has proved itself as being the season of Sport, from football to tennis and Rugby to generally anything remotely athletic with the Olympics, you help possibly miss the sport trend which has not been restricted to stadiums and playing fields. The world of fashion and style has very much taken this theme on board and completely ran with it, get it !!!!!!

One of the best interpretation of the sports and style ideas has been a collaboration of two of the most prominent heritage brands around. One, is renowned worldwide as a football brand, with over  88 year history the brand has been involved in many aspects of British sport. The other, is a fine gauge knitwear manufacturer based in Derbyshire, England since 1784, renowned for using the most advanced methods alongside traditional craftsmanship to create fine knitwear considered to be the best in class. The project came to life when referencing their archives, the Umbro design team encountered an Umbro vintage running vest and track sweater, which transpired were worn by British athletes back in 1940’s

The Field Sweater in dark navy was originally worn as a track warm up top by athletes in 1948. This modern reinterpretation retains its original retro cut, whilst simple style details such as the double linked rib collar and ribbed cuff and hem ensures it is a thoroughly contemporary piece. A subtle, detail to this unique piece is the internal number patch, concealed in the back of the sweater. Showing the number 102, it celebrates the number of goals scored at Wembley during the tournament. Crafted from John Smedley’s Sea Island cotton in a 24 gauge knit, this lightweight knit is perfect for the summer season.

The Tangeru Shirt in vintage ecru is a distinctive and discerning nod to British athletics. Inspired by the vest worn by competitive athletes in 1940’s . The patriotic red, white and blue stripes sit boldly across the chest, whilst front and centre is a blank ecru fabric patch, positioned accurately where the team patch was in the original 1948 design. This iconic design celebrates the vintage aesthetics of athletics.

www.Umbro.com , www.johnsmedley.com