Quintessentially British – Gloverall x V&A Duffle Coat



October 23, 2014

Gloverall have been making Duffle coats right here in Merrie Olde England since 1951. Over the years it has earned a firm reputation as one of Britain’s most timeless and well-respected brands. To ensure a Cosy County Christmas in the crisp outdoors, here’s a thoughtful token from us to you – V&A x Gloverall Duffle Coats.

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We were lucky to be invited down to visit the Gloverall Factory where we spoke with Mark van Beek Design Director of Gloverall, to find out a little more about the history, tradition and design innovation behind the coat.

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Since everyone loves a garment with a story behind it, let us set the scene and take you back to where the story began…

It was during the plight of the World Wars that the Duffle coat started out life as equipment for the hardy souls of the royal navy. It was a genuine example of function over form: the chunky wooden toggle closures could be secured by gloved hands, with heavy duty wool offering the perfect amount of insulation and larger hoods to keep the bitter cold and sheeting rain off the face.

Due to the continued high demand and thanks to a man called Harold Morris who saw the potential, the coat transformed from military garment to a British style staple for men and women.

As we toured the factory we listened and learned of the entwined story of Gloverall and the Duffle coat.

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We came across box after box of toggle after toggle, and rail after rail of duffle after duffle….

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A genuine glow of British pride rose as we were marched around the factory and watch Mark closely analyzing each piece of rope, feeling the fabric and monitoring every inch with the utmost precision.

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We asked Mark a few quick fire questions and found out how Gloverall has earned its place as a British Style institution.

Q: Define a duffle coat in 3 words?

A: Iconic Quintessentially British

Q: Why do you think the Gloverall Duffle has stood the test of time?

A: It has always been a indestructible archetype winter coat that has been passed on from generation to generation.

Q: One of the classic designs is called a Monty Duffle, can you tell us how it acquired this name?

A: Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, nicknamed “Monty” was a famous British Army officer wearing the Army’s utility duffle coat during WWII

Q: Tell us how has the coat has evolved since 1951?

A: The Duffle coats have continuously evolved with fashion changing over time, more variations, fabrics and colours tailored to customers’ needs.

Q: The V&A x Gloverall Duffle coat lining is a V&A Pattern ‘Welwyn Garden City’, by Doris Gregg for Footprints, 1926 – can you tell us why you chose this?

A: During my inspiration research visit to the V&A Clothworkers Archive I browsed through many print designs, after seeing the “Welwyn Garden City” print i was immediately drawn to its eclectic bold colourful mood and with a fun Google map 3D effect.

Q: How would you describe the ideal Gloverall x V&A duffle coat client?

A: The ideal client should be anybody that is genuinely inspired by Art and Design from different cultures.

Are you a country or city man?

I love the bright lights and Big City!

Tell us somewhere in London that inspires you?

The Golden Jubilee Bridge AKA Hungerford Bridge where you get a good view of the river and all of London’s landmarks, and of course the wonderful V&A.

Pick up some inspiration from other fellow Gloverlites here and snap yourself in your V&A x Gloverall duffle and Instagram or Tweet it tagging @V_and_A_Shop and using the hashtag #meandmygloverall

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