John Smedley has been specialising in knitwear for 225 years - that's a long time. What you might not know is that British highstreet sportswear brand Umbro has been around for 88 years and in that time they've crafted clothing for many different sports, including a stint at the forefront of British athletics. The collaboration, celebrating the London Olympics, sent Umbro searching through their archives where they found a vintage Umbro running vest and track sweater worn by British athletes in 1948.

Re-imagined in 24 and 30 gauge John Smedley Sea Island cotton respectively, the vest and track sweater would actually add a smart athletic look to any summer wardrobe whether you're planning on playing any sport or simply watching it.

Text by Rupert Bickersteth

For those of us not jetting off to more halcyon destinations the Olympic rush has officially begun. Throughout London there are delayed trains, lengthy traffic jams, over packed tube carriages with sweltering humidity and so many pink sign posts you'd think that Barbie went crazy with her sticker book. With all this commotion you just want to run for the hills or at least curtail your journey by walking. Though trekking through the city in bespoke brogues isn't the way to do it.

So if you're on the look out for a new pair of sneaks Lacoste have you covered. Introducing the 1927 Tribute collection, a range of sneakers dedicated to Rene Lacoste's flair during the pinnacle point of his career. Re-working some of their classics styles such as the Suzuka and the brynot. Though the stand out sneaker of the collection will have to be the Castera a vintage-inspired runner constructed with a combination of velvet suede and nylon. It combines comfort and practicality. Available from Lacoste stores nationwide.

Malcolm Mafara

With the Olympic Games less than a month away designers, brands and retailers alike are finding their own way to pay homage to the games.

One of the most notable of these endeavors comes from Montreal born twins Byron and Dexter Peart. The talented duo are behind the luxury accessories brand WANT Les Essentials de la Vie, which translates into 'WANT the essentials of life'. Entitled 'An Olympian Design' they have released a special edition version of one of their most popular accessories, the O'Hare tote. Made from organic cotton and Italian calf it comes in six colour combinations representing the five colours of the Olympic Rings. It's a real winner.

Malcolm Mafara