Made To Be Worn

Grace Wales Bonner has always treated knitwear as a kind of language, one that speaks softly about mood, memory, and pride. John Smedley, founded in 1784 and long known for its knitwear made in England, speaks that language fluently. 

This new capsule with John Smedley feels like a natural extension for both brands. The collaboration, grounded in English manufacturing and the small, everyday pleasure of getting dressed properly.

For John Smedley, a brand still operating from its home, Lea Mills base in Derbyshire, the partnership offers a chance to revisit its archive through a modern, current lens, one that values subtlety as much as craft. Debuting on the Wales Bonner Spring Summer 2026 runway and reappearing in the recent Autumn Winter 2026 look-book, the pieces carry a preppy sensibility without ever feeling too buttoned up.

At the heart of the capsule are fine-gauge cotton and merino polo shirts in chic bark, ivory, and jewel tones. They lay close to the body, clean in line but never leaving you feeling cold. Wales Bonner spent time at the Lea Mills factory, working through an archive that stretches back over two centuries, and the influence shows in the details. Chequerboard textures and lace-edged collars lifted from mid-century designs feel familiar but fresh, handled with a light touch.

One standout is the lace-collar polo. We would style it with tailored trousers during the week, then again with relaxed denim at the weekend, polished without feeling precious. Knitwear made to slot easily into a wardrobe and stay there.