JOHN SMEDLEY and WALES BONNER Collaborate for Fall Winter 2026 Capsule Collection

A Chic Collaboration: JOHN SMEDLEY for WALES BONNER

The iconic British knitwear brand JOHN SMEDLEY has joined forces with WALES BONNER, a fashion label based in London, to unveil a captivating capsule collection for Fall Winter 2026. Available from August 25, 2026, in exclusive Japan outlets, this collection promises to blend classic British craftsmanship with contemporary design elements.

Unique Design Elements

At the heart of this collaboration lies a series of exquisitely crafted polo shirts made from delicate, high-quality Merino wool. These items are designed with stylish colors reminiscent of nature, including striking shades inspired by plants and tree bark, along with ivory tones that stand out. With a preppy aesthetic that remains effortlessly sophisticated, each piece is manufactured at the original JOHN SMEDLEY factory in Derbyshire, England, ensuring an authentic British touch.

This collection marks the first release in Japan for the JOHN SMEDLEY and WALES BONNER partnership, with availability in select stores such as Ginza, Aoyama, and Osaka, as well as through their official online shop. Collectors and fashion enthusiasts are bound to appreciate these limited-edition pieces, reflecting the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern values.

Behind the Scenes of Creation

WALES BONNER, founded by British designer Grace Wales Bonner, is known for its fusion of traditional European tailoring with influences from Black culture and Jamaican heritage. The collaboration was initially showcased during the 2025 Paris Fashion Week, where it was unveiled as part of the WALES BONNER Fall Winter 2026 collection.

The designer took a tactile approach to this project, visiting the JOHN SMEDLEY headquarters directly to delve into the brand’s extensive archives, which date back to 1784. By studying pieces from the mid-20th century, she drew inspiration from textures, detailing, and subtle surface treatments, reimagining them through a modern lens. This collaboration serves as a significant opportunity for JOHN SMEDLEY to revisit its storied history while emphasizing both craftsmanship and contemporary sensibilities.

A Message from JOHN SMEDLEY

In the words of Jess Maguire-Dudley, Managing Director of JOHN SMEDLEY, “We have long admired the design aesthetics and values that Grace Wales Bonner embodies. Our intention was not only to celebrate British manufacturing but to collaborate with brands that share a vision for expanding the potential of knitwear. The synergy between Grace’s integrity and creativity and our enduring commitment to authenticity and artisanal craftsmanship has birthed an ideal partnership. We are thrilled to bring this project to fruition.”

Product Highlights

This exclusive capsule collection includes:

- Short-sleeved Polo Shirt (A4938) - ¥154,000 (tax included)

- Material: Extra Fine Merino Wool
- Colors Available: Faulkner Brown/Snow White and Toasted Almond/Faulkner Brown
- Sizes: S, M, L

- Short-sleeved Polo Shirt (A4939) - ¥154,000 (tax included)

- Material: Extra Fine Merino Wool
- Color Available: Snow White/White
- Sizes: S, M, L

- Crew-neck Multi-striped Jumper (A4947) - ¥159,500 (tax included)

- Material: Extra Fine Merino Wool
- Color Available: Multi
- Sizes: S, M, L

As part of JOHN SMEDLEY’s enduring legacy since 1784, this collection continues to exemplify the use of luxurious natural materials like Sea Island cotton, Merino wool, cashmere, and silk, resulting in beautifully crafted and lightweight fine-gauge knitwear. The brand has maintained an exceptional reputation globally for over 240 years, crowned with the prestigious Royal Warrant by the British Royal Family, a testament to its commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

For those interested in purchasing these exclusive pieces, they will be available at: