Sick of the urban Rat race ? Long for the more relaxed country life ? No we’re not talking about retiring, but escaping once in a while to an rural retreat, you know rolling fields, the great outdoors, country walks and a roaring open fire waiting for you on your return. One brand who have the attire for this idyllic lifestyle down to a tee, is Crew Clothing.
Way back in 1993, a young man called Alastair Parker-Swift, was living an idyllic life – running a thriving windsurfing school during the summer in Salcombe, Devon and spending the winter months in France as part of the England freestyle ski team, you know as one does.
Now this was all good and well and you could argue, what is there to complain about, but Alastair had ambition and a great business mind an to indulge Alastair’s entrepreneurial spirit. Plus not being one to miss an opportunity, Alastair sourced some navy and white rugby shirts and using a local supplier created the original 93 patch rugby shirt, which was to go on to be synonymous with the brand. This first foray into the retail world proved an instant success with stock selling out within days, and after only 10 days of trading in Salcombe, Alastair decided to try and find premises in Cowes in time for the start of the annual yachting extravaganza of Cowes week.
Within the week the shop did in fact open in time for Cowes week and generated sales that exceeded all expectations, and the Crew Clothing Co. brand was born. In 1995 the first London store was opened on the New King’s Road and the first hand drawn catalogue was mailed to just 2000 customers. Today, celebrating it 21st Anniversary, there are over 60 stores across the UK and over 3.2 million catalogues mailed every year.
During this time Crew Clothing has sponsored some of the most prestigious social & sporting events in the sporting calendar, as The Whitbread Round the World Race, the England Polo Team and Masters Tennis at the Albert Hall. They have been the official clothing supplier to the England Polo team for over 5 years, and provide all of the kit for National and International matches including The Cartier International Event – the pinnacle of the polo calendar.
Parker-Swift, himself describes the appeal of the brand as,
“Crew is a British lifestyle brand with a coastal heritage. We are passionate about dressing people in beautiful clothes in great colours with fastidious attention to detail.”
For Autumn 14 the range offers a a durable, outdoor inspired collection with a real balance between wearable pieces and enduring wardrobe classics that will not only get better with age but the more adventures you have while wearing them.
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