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creators2017/12/05

5 MINUTES WITH... KNIGHTSBRIDGE NECKWEAR

by Becky Elliott

Knightsbridge Neckwear was founded by Darren Farrell, born out of his fathers' love of the most famous corner shop in London, where that shop happened to be situated and his fondness of Britain in the 1960's. This decade, together with his love of all things retro, gave him the inspiration to start putting together his first collection." Their aim is to supply each and every customer with a wide collection of gents luxury British designed products. The brand trawl classic British images from the 1960's era, design artworks based on these adding their own unique twist, then source the fabrics globally. Knightsbridge use very few mills for manufacturing in limited edition quantities, which enables them to produce each collection with attention to detail, and their expertise offers vintage neckwear that has been perfectly cut, stitched, labelled and pressed with care and are lined to maintain shape for many years. We spent 5 minutes with the brand to learn more

How did Knightsbridge Neckwear begin?

I began selling imported menswear on market stalls in the early 1990s and by the end of the decade began supplying independent menswear shops with my own label gents accessories. This led to me forming Knightsbridge Neckwear in 2001 and building the website in 2007.

Have you always been interested in fashion?  

Yes, I have been very interested in fashion since the age of 13 in the days when casuals and mod subcultures ruled the teenagers of the 1980s.

What have been the highest and lowest points on your journey so far?  

Highest points would be the launch of our current website after all the hard work and investment as well as when we began supplying Fred Perry. There are no low points fortunately that spring to mind so far.

What was the inspiration behind your latest collection?  

We are constantly being inspired by British heritage, music and iconic styling, but an old Paul Weller DVD gave me ideas for some of our new prints.

Where is your go-to meeting spot?  

Trade Shows.

How would you describe your customer base?  

An eclectic mix of vibrant modern boutiques and aspirational style conscious young males.

Is there anyone you would love to see wearing your designs?  

Chris Eubank.

What are the morals you run your brand by?  

To be quintessentially British.

If you could only wear one piece from your collection, what would it be and why?  

Our burgundy lambswool knitted cable scarf with our blue/red houndstooth pure wool tie and pocket square.

What’s the biggest style mistake you’ve ever made?  

Thinking orange was going to be big in 2013 but it didn't take off until 2016.

Is there another designer whose work you particularly admire?  

Giorgio Armani.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?  

Listen to your customers.

What drew you to Wolf & Badger? 

I feel Wolf and Badger fits very nicely into a current stockists portfolio, and the accessories we produce are aimed at the exact target audience of today's modern gent aged 25-55 who really cares about their appearance and style.

Where do you see the brand in 5 years?    

I see ourselves replicating our UK success globally with the help of our website and overseas agents.