Hopping from its Leicester factories to slap bang in the midst of the city’s maddest action, menswear label Wolsey has landed in London with a brand-spanking new store.
Click images to enlarge.
Established in 1755, Wolsey has been kitting-out Britain’s finest folk in the classiest gear for two and a half centuries. Soldiers, royalty and even explorers have sported the brand and now it’s time for London’s coolest crop of men to trot through the store’s shiny new doors. A stones-throw from Picadilly Circus, inside the store the old meets the new; modern steel beams line the ceiling and industrial clay bricks clad the walls. A nod tradition, Persian rugs line the wooden floors and retro snaps salute to the Wolsey world. A healthy offering of jumpers, footwear and shirting (long-sleeved, short-sleeved, pattern or no pattern) the Wolsey wardrobe is a packed one. Here, i-D online swag on over to the West End to chat to the team.
Pictured from left.
Ally McAnally, Brand Specialist
Ally is the chilled-out chappy with a sharp eye for style. Working as a Wolsey Brand Specialist he’s tipping aviator-chic as the go-to-trend for menswear right now.
What do you get up to in your lunch break? Most involve going round shops trying to resist buying anything. Lately, I have an obsession with Greggs! What are you wearing? Head-to-toe in Wolsey SS12. Which one person would you be most excited to serve in the new store? Kasabian’s Sergio Pizzorno. I think the guys a genius. What’s now? East London!
Peter Houston, Sales Assistant
For tea-sipping, Guardian-reading gent Peter, Brixton Village is where it’s all at right now. Loving his music legends, of all the folk in the world he’d be most honoured if Bruce Springsteen were to waltz his way into Wosley.
What do you like most about working for Wolsey? Being part of a new store is really exciting from a business perspective. Seeing what direction the brand is moving in is interesting as it balances a rich heritage with a contemporary edge, while maintaining its discrete originality. What are you wearing? A navy Wolsey outfit. If you were a song what song would you be?‘The Low Anthem’, Champion Angel.
Erik Norman, Sales Assistant
Oozing nothing but style, Erik is the smart, savvy sales assistant from Stockholm. Finding his feet in his new homeland, Erik likes to take leisurely strolls in the rare London sunshine.
What are you wearing? Green Ryker trousers, the navy Brant jumper, with a grey tie and a white shirt. All from Wolsey SS12, creating that semi-smart look I like. If you were a song what song would you be? ‘Sticks’n'Stones’, Jamie T. Which one person would you be most excited to serve in the new store? David Bowie, he’s my idol. He has been able to revolutionize so many genres of music, stay true to his ideas and write brilliant lyrics.
Lavell Charlemange, Floor Manager
Whipping the store into shape, Lavell is the fly London gal taking on the leading role of Floor Manager at Wosley. Being a retail whiz kid, dressing well is like a second nature. This chick likes to croon around in menswear and mix-up snazzy combos of vintage gems and new pieces.
What do you like most about working for Wolsey? In retail, it’s a baby that I feel we are responsible for raising. Most things are being carried out for the first time and we all get a voice in how to do it. What are you wearing? Vintage jacket, Wolsey shirt, Max Mara trousers and brogues from Office. What’s now? Dressing like a man! Being comfy and smart. What’s not to like? What’s next? Buying a knitting machine!
