Junya Watanabe Gives British Knitwear A Japanese Edge

Japanese fashion label Comme des Garçons has added British knitwear specialist John Smedley to its line up of collaborations for a second time.

Comme des Garçons founder Rei Kawakubo’s one time protege Junya Watanabe has reinterpreted John Smedley’s Bobby pullover to include plaid panels in the shape of a Union Jack.

The knitwear is made from New Zealand merino wool produced at John Smedley’s Lea Mills factory and features a raw seam detail. The v-neck menswear pieces come in two colour ways: charcoal and navy.

Comme des Garçons is known for its collaborations, which in the past has included Erik Schedin, Supreme and Pharrell Williams.

Depsite being founded in 1874 John Smedley opened its first standalone store in the UK as recent as 2009. Today it operates more than 15 outlets in addition to being available via concessions and stockists.

The Comme des Garçons x John Smedley Bobby pullover is set to launch tomorrow (17th October) in a limited run of 40 pieces. UK stockists have been confirmed as Dover Street Market, John Smedley’s Brook Street store and johnsmedley.com, priced at £595.

Comme des Garçons x John Smedley Collection