À Couvert is a new, luxury men’s outerwear brand that celebrates heritage and hell-raising in equal measure. Inspired by classic military cuts, each with a uniquely modern and somewhat disruptive twist, designer James Small has created a series of timeless investment pieces. James’ sharp and distinctive designs have been combined with outstanding tailoring to produce this ageless and aspirational line.
Small, Graduated from London College of Fashion in 2001 and starting his self-titled menswear label, James Small has since become eponymous within menswear design. James talent was recognised early at London Fashion Week where he was awarded ‘New Generation’ by the British Fashion Council. Previously Head Designer for Kim Jones, James’ creative and successful career holds a rich portfolio of collaborations with luxury fashion houses including Hugo Boss, Mulberry and Come Des Garçons.
“All of our limited-edition coats are hand made in England, using premium fabrics from mills that are internationally renowned and respected. The exceptional quality of the construction and materials generate a premium product with maximum emphasis on durability, design and detail.
These re-engineered contemporary versions of traditional military technical coats create the silhouettes of heroes from a time gone by for the modern wearer. Our coats are for the gentleman, not the everyman, for the bold and the brave, the radical and rebellious” James Small
Captured by Rankin, the first look into À Couvert AW21 is portrayed by a talent-fueled cast of artists including legendary music producers SKREAM & Route 94, and renowned Actors Warren Brown and Jonas Armstrong, reflecting the bold and audacious nature of the collection. Using complex, luxury materials, the collection represents the fine craftsmanship and rich textile history of England as AW21 consists of carefully curated pieces produced with and manufactured in Manchester. Introducing, Nylon Padded Trench with Olmetex Nylon lining, Nylon Cargo Pants and Technical Ventile Waterproof Pants with Olmetex Nylon Lining and Cobrax magnetic Zero press studs, all made with Majocchi Luxury Polyamide Nylon. Continuing its use of intricate detail, À Couvert launches the Oversized Fishtail Parka made with British millerain bonded cotton, Sheepskin/Shearling pockets, 3M reflective sealing tape and RiRi Zips & Cord Adjusters
Cobrax magnetic zero press studs. A Couvert’s cashmere range is of the finest quality and is produced in Scotland. The range has already been donned by outstanding British artists such as Skepta & Stephen Graham.
Selling for an incredible £75,220 in 2016, these well-worn trainers proved the combined power of classic sneakers and celebrity endorsement. The shoes shot to fame after Michael Jordan wore them in 1997 for his famous ‘flu game’ (a game in which he managed to score 38 points despite being ill). After the game, Jordan gave the signed sneakers to a ball boy, who later made a hefty profit from the iconic shoes.
Inspired by a pop-culture classic, these fun and futuristic trainers fetched £143,580 in 2016. These sneakers were sold by the Michael J. Fox Foundation (which funds research into Parkinson’s disease), and they were designed based on Fox’s 1989 hit film, 
The third most expensive trainers of all time were a pair of the extremely limited edition “Moon Shoes”, handmade by Nike’s co-founder, Bill Bowerman. This pair of historic sneakers sold for an impressive £314,075 ($437,500) in 2019. As the story goes, the sole of these early prototypes was created when Bowerman decided to experiment with his wife’s waffle iron. By pouring rubber into the waffle iron mould, the first ‘waffle sole’ was created – a major innovation in the trainer world. These particular sneakers soon became known as the “Moon Shoe” because of the resemblance between the waffle sole and the impression left on the surface of the moon by the astronauts who first made it there in 1969.
The signature of Michael Jordan, the undeniable king of sneakers, reappears in second place on these iconic Nike Air Jordan 1s. These trainers sold for £402,015.60 ($560,000) at Sotheby’s in 2020, breaking the record for the most expensive trainers ever at the time. When they went to auction, these shoes were only expected to fetch between £71,780 and £107,670, but they ended up selling for nearly five times that price. Michael Jordan’s signature in permanent marker on the right shoe certainly sweetened the deal, not to mention the fact that he wore these very trainers in a game in 1985.
Michael Jordan, move aside. A new player has entered the arena. Earlier this year, the world record for the most expensive trainers was smashed once again with the sale of a pair of Nike Air Yeezy 1s for a breathtaking £1.2 million ($1.8 million). These A-List sneakers were worn by Kanye West during his performance of ‘Hey Mama’ and ‘Stronger’ at the 50th annual Grammy awards in 2008. One of the first pairs designed by Kanye West with Nike, these iconic shoes feature classic Yeezy design signatures, including the Yeezy forefoot strap and the “Y” medallion lace locks in vivid pink. This incredible sale blew the previous 2020 world record out of the water, nearly tripling the amount fetched by the Nike Air Jordan 1s.
Octovia Fossatti – Panama
Previn Samuel – Mumbai
