Last year’s tobacco Fresco run was a huge hit, so I’ve been working on some new custom-fabric projects. This time, however, I’d like to see if there’s any interest in running things through speciality mills such as Fox Brothers and Molloy & Sons. They’ll likely come with higher price tags, but – as anyone who has handled their cloths will know – the qualities they produce are outstanding. Here are some projects I’ve been thinking about:
- Navy Donegal: Run through Molloy & Sons, a small, father-and-son mill in Ireland. The fabric would look something like what you see above. Except, where that’s a smooth cashmere-blend, this would be rough and tweedy. Price is estimated to be around $150 per meter.
- Tan Flannel: Like khaki cotton, but in a worsted wool. The idea is to have something you can use for trousers, which you can pair with navy or dark brown sport coats. (like this, but in flannel). I’m still looking for the right mill, but at the moment, I’m taking to Fox Brothers. Price has yet to be determined, but their usual out-the-book flannels are about $150 per meter.
- Navy Fresco Houndstooth: Patterned summer jacketings are hard to find. This would be a mid-scale houndstooth in Fresco, which means you could use it for suits or sport coats. The color combination would either be in black/ navy or mid-blue/ navy. Price would be about $70 per meter.
- Green Tweed: Specifically, a district check known as Kylnadrochit. Designed to be used for sport coats, which would end up looking something like this. I’m still looking for the right mill, so price has yet to be determined.
- Textured silk/ linen blend: A dark-brown silk-linen blend with a lot of texture. Something like raw silk, but a little more breathable. At the moment, I’m talking to a UK mill and working out the price.
If any of the projects sound interesting to you, please drop me an email at derek@dieworkwear.com and tell me what you might order (also mention the number of meters). Given that we’re organizing this as a group-order – rather than as a clothing label with guaranteed minimums – I’d like to make sure we have the prospect of putting something through before I ask these mills to run samples.
For those curious, the jacket above is from Eidos, who ran a really nice, speckled, cashmere-blend last season. The photo itself is from Christian Kimber, who just relaunched with a new line of footwear and accessories. I’m a big fan of his pocket squares.