The "Made in England" tradition

Professional Futures lecture - 8

As many are aware, John Smedley is a renowned brand recognized for its luxurious knitwear, particularly esteemed for its polo shirts and sweaters designed for both men and women. Emphasizing quality and heritage, the company proudly affixes a "Made in England" label to each garment it produces. Since its establishment in 1784, John Smedley has remained a family-owned business, now overseen by the 8th generation of the Smedley family. During a lecture, Pip Jenkins, the design director at John Smedley, graciously shared insights into the brand, offering a profound understanding of its rich history and craftsmanship.

Fig.01 John Smedley. Source - https://www.qest.org.uk/john-smedley-celebrates-235-years-of-british-craftsmanship/

During Ms. Jenkins' discussion on John Smedley and their luxury knitwear jumpers, renowned for their longevity that can span generations, she emphasized the quality and craftsmanship that goes into each piece, revealing their price tag of approximately 200 pounds. This sparked a lively debate during our seminar, leaving me pondering the value proposition of investing in such a garment. While the notion of a single sweater costing the same as 20 new pieces of clothing intrigued me, I couldn't shake the desire for variety in my wardrobe. The idea of owning something of enduring quality clashed with my inclination for diversity in life's experiences.

Fig.02 Glossy by Zofia Zwieglinska. Source - https://www.glossy.co/fashion/john-smedley-using-localized-content-to-capture-chinese-customers/

I find myself caught in a dilemma regarding the investment in a single jumper that could last a lifetime, particularly one from John Smedley, renowned for its timeless elegance. While the allure of owning such a prestigious piece is undeniable, as a student, I grapple with the practicality of spending a significant amount on one garment. On one hand, the thought of acquiring 20 different pieces of clothing for the same price is appealing, offering a variety of options to suit different occasions and moods. Yet, on the other hand, the prospect of owning a John Smedley jumper feels like a dream fulfilled, symbolizing sophistication and quality. I'm torn between the desire for practicality and the longing for luxury. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts on this dilemma—would you opt for the multitude of clothes or the timeless allure of a single, exquisite jumper?

Until our paths cross again in our next conversation, let's continue to dream, create, and inspire each other. Best wishes, Maitri, bidding farewell for now.