David Keyte, Co-Founder of Universal Works / Contemporary Menswear
03/23/20 • 37 min
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Universal Works was inspired by David Keyte’s formative years growing up in a provincial midlands town in the seventies, part of a working class family that loved to dress well; seeing his Dad and Uncles in their work-wear and also when dressing for the weekend. Next, working as a sign-writers apprentice, whilst experiencing the development of eighties sporting and music subcultures. And finally, a thirty-year span in the fashion industry. From Paul Smith to Maharishi he gained an education from and worked alongside some of the best in the industry.
With David’s life work reading like a description of the company’s DNA, Universal Works is about the mixing of ideas; understanding heritage and context underpinned by contemporary needs and aesthetics. They champion skilled, small-scale production and produce garments in the right place, both in the UK and overseas, working only with factories they trust, admire and are proud to be associated with.
In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast, we sit down and speak to David Keyte, Co-Founder of Universal Works. Our host Peter Brooker finds out about the origins of the brand and when the idea was first thought up. We learn about Keyte's background, passions and inspirations for the brand which leans towards blue collar workwear with military and contemporary British tailored styling. With many years of working for other people David looked to start his own menswear brand, designing clothing he would personally want to wear. He also gives insights into growing a fashion brand and the difficult hurdles that arise along the way.
Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff.
GRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Universal Works was inspired by David Keyte’s formative years growing up in a provincial midlands town in the seventies, part of a working class family that loved to dress well; seeing his Dad and Uncles in their work-wear and also when dressing for the weekend. Next, working as a sign-writers apprentice, whilst experiencing the development of eighties sporting and music subcultures. And finally, a thirty-year span in the fashion industry. From Paul Smith to Maharishi he gained an education from and worked alongside some of the best in the industry.
With David’s life work reading like a description of the company’s DNA, Universal Works is about the mixing of ideas; understanding heritage and context underpinned by contemporary needs and aesthetics. They champion skilled, small-scale production and produce garments in the right place, both in the UK and overseas, working only with factories they trust, admire and are proud to be associated with.
In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast, we sit down and speak to David Keyte, Co-Founder of Universal Works. Our host Peter Brooker finds out about the origins of the brand and when the idea was first thought up. We learn about Keyte's background, passions and inspirations for the brand which leans towards blue collar workwear with military and contemporary British tailored styling. With many years of working for other people David looked to start his own menswear brand, designing clothing he would personally want to wear. He also gives insights into growing a fashion brand and the difficult hurdles that arise along the way.
Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff.
GRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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1 RecommendationsWalker Slater opened its first store in Edinburgh offering unstructured suits, in Tweed and linen together with their rugged style of knitwear. The brand utilises local fabrics and yarns into menswear items that are soft but also have a seriousness to them that renders it suitable for formal use whilst avoiding the stiff construction of the past. Walker Slater pioneered the unstructured suit whilst at the same time following a very traditional formal range of worsted suiting. Today they have an impressive list of ongoing brand partnerships which includes the Ryder Cup and the Scottish National Team.
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Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff.
GRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
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In this episode of the MenswearStyle Podcast we sit down and speak to Jamie Bartlett, Co-Founder of Banton Frameworks. Our host Peter Brooker speaks to Jamie about the brand's beginnings during university. The co-founders would break into the university during the summer so they could keep making frames to sell. This then helped them make enough money to buy their own first machine which would enable them to set up their own workshop. They also discuss UK manufacturing, bespoke frames, polarized lenses, popular shapes and biodegradable acetate. The discussion also touches upon leveraging social media for sales and working with influencers.
Whilst we have your attention, be sure to sign up to our daily MenswearStyle newsletter here. We promise to only send you the good stuff.
GRAPHITE is a platform for creatives and trailblazers aiming to elevate their work....
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Menswear Style Podcast - David Keyte, Co-Founder of Universal Works / Contemporary Menswear
Transcript
Hello, welcome to another episode of The menswear style podcast. I'm your host people how we're doing and on this episode. Really excited for this one we'll be talking to David key co founder of universal works. Universal works was inspired by David's formative years growing up in a provincial Midlands town, part of a working class family that loved to dress well seeing his dad and uncles in their workwear and also when dressing for the weekend. Af
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