Industry Retail Products Luxury British goods Founded 1977 | Website www.drakes.com Founder Michael Drake Type Privately held company | |
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Services Fashion made in England Owners Mark Cho & Michael Hill | ||
Drake's is a British menswear haberdasher founded in 1977 by Michael Drake. Based in East London, Drake’s produces men’s accessories and shirting, and is predominantly known for its ties.
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History
Drake’s was founded in 1977 by Michael Drake, the original Drake’s collection was composed of men’s scarves. Drake’s went onto handmade ties and pocket squares, which became what Drake’s is known for.
In 2010 when Michael Drake retired and Michael Hill, Michael Drake’s previous understudy and lead designer, and Mark Cho, co-founder of The Armoury haberdashers in Hong Kong, acquired Drake’s.
Collaborations
Drake's has a history of collaborative projects with Fred Perry, Adam Dant, Nackymade Glasses, Private white and Royal College of Arts
Locations
On May 20, 2011, Drake’s opened its retail shop at No. 3 Clifford Street, London. Formally the home of an art and antiques gallery, it is situated just between Savile Row and Bond Street. The interior of the store features Harris Tweed armchairs, wood floors and cabinetry from the Natural History Museum.
In April 2013, Drake’s moved its tie factory to No. 3 Haberdasher Street, London. Drake’s combined all aspects of the Drake’s business under one roof; the factory, design studio, showroom, warehouse, head office and Factory Shop.
In July 2013 Drake's acquired the Rayner and Sturges shirt factory in Chard, Somerset. In doing so, Drake's has inherited a workforce of 35 producing handmade, bespoke and ready-to-wear shirts.
As well as producing private label, Michael Hill relaunched the historic Cleeve shirting brand, owned by Rayner and Sturges, and introduced the first capsule collection of ready-to-wear shirts into the Drake's store on No.3 Clifford Street and online.
Awards and honors
Drakes has won several awards for prestige in its area such as Queen's Award for Export and the UK Fashion Export Gold Award.