#Japan #Tokyo #JOHN SMEDLEY #Bill Nighy #STAY MODERN

A Timeless Collaboration: JOHN SMEDLEY and Bill Nighy

The distinguished British knitwear brand, JOHN SMEDLEY, established in 1784, proudly announces its latest collaboration with renowned actor Bill Nighy. This partnership, which marks a significant moment in the brand's history, introduces a limited capsule collection set to launch exclusively on December 5th.

Bill Nighy, who has been an ardent fan of JOHN SMEDLEY since he was 17, brings his unique vision and passion to the collaboration. Having worn the brand's pieces for nearly six decades, Nighy has now reinterpreted classic materials such as wool and cashmere, crafting a collection that harmonizes the brand's rich heritage with his contemporary style. This special capsule collection is not just a fashion statement, but a celebration of a longstanding partnership.

The Concept: STAY MODERN

The collection's central theme, “STAY MODERN,” encapsulated in Nighy’s own handwriting on the tags, reflects a unisex approach that pays homage to the timeless style of the 1940s inspired by Nighy’s father. The designs feature an array of oversized collars, dimensional ribbing at cuffs and hems, and subtle yet striking tailoring that enhances the modern aesthetic. The primary color palette, dominated by deep navy, resonates with both the essence of JOHN SMEDLEY and Nighy’s personal preferences, embodying a refined and understated collection.

The silhouettes are intentionally boxy and slightly cropped to suit all genders, with thoughtful details that echo Nighy’s experiences both in his personal life and career as an actor. Each item in the collection is crafted in England, showcasing the brand's commitment to quality and sustainability, particularly through the use of their signature Extra Fine Merino Wool. The collection signifies a perfect blend of craftsmanship and modernity, ensuring enduring wearability.

A Passionate Craft

Each garment echoes a commitment to responsible and sustainable production methods. Notably, a bird motif, inspired by Nighy’s sketching habits while memorizing scripts, is discreetly embroidered on the back of each item. These sketches, lovingly named George and Pete, are a tribute to the actor's creative journey, reflecting an intimate connection to the collection.

According to Bill Nighy, this collaboration is the epitome of his lifelong admiration for JOHN SMEDLEY: “If someone had told me at 17 that I would be creating a collection with JOHN SMEDLEY, I would have embraced life with even more joy. The brand has continually been an essential part of my wardrobe, defying trends while embodying craftsmanship and a refined style. Even if I achieved nothing else in my life, this collaboration would be enough.”

His deep-seated respect for the brand was equally echoed by Jess Maguire-Dudley, Managing Director of JOHN SMEDLEY. She expressed how enlightening it has been to work with Nighy on this meticulously designed collection, infusing it with the actor’s love for the brand from the choice of fabrics to the final silhouette adjustments.

Special Movie

Accompanying this unique collaboration is a special film directed by Mary Nighy, Bill's daughter and a talented filmmaker. This marks the first collaboration between the father-daughter duo. The film is produced by Sonia Shear and features cinematography by Matthias Neumann. The meticulous attention to detail in the film reflects the collection’s ethos, showcasing the knitwear in stylish scenarios that maintain its elegance.

Product Spotlight

The JOHN SMEDLEY x Bill Nighy capsule collection will be available at the following locations in Japan:

• - JOHN SMEDLEY Ginza
• - JOHN SMEDLEY Nagoya
• - JOHN SMEDLEY Osaka
• - JOHN SMEDLEY Official Online Shop here

Collection Highlights

1. Bill Nighy V-Neck Cardigan (BN001) - ¥84,700 (tax in) - Material: Extra Fine Merino Wool
2. Bill Nighy Round Neck T-Shirt (BN002) - ¥62,700 (tax in) - Material: Extra Fine Merino Wool
3. Bill Nighy Long Sleeve Polo Shirt (BN007) - ¥85,800 (tax in) - Material: Extra Fine Merino Wool
4. Bill Nighy Round Neck Jumper (BN009) - ¥72,600 (tax in) - Material: Extra Fine Merino Wool

From England, this exclusive collection encapsulates the values of craftsmanship, modernity, and enduring style. As the world anticipates the release of this distinctive collection, the partnership between JOHN SMEDLEY and Bill Nighy stands as a testament to the beauty of collaboration in fashion.