John Lewis and Labrum Launch First Menswear Collaboration in Over a Decade
John Lewis has partnered with contemporary British brand Labrum London for its first menswear collaboration in over 10 years. The 38-piece autumn collection represents a fusion of West African influences with contemporary British design, featuring bold patterns, vibrant textiles, and premium fabrics. Created by Labrum founder Foday Dumbuya alongside John Lewis's in-house design team, the collection blends cultural storytelling with modern utility details and an autumnal color palette ranging from inky navy to mustard yellow.
In a significant move for British retail, John Lewis has broken its decade-long menswear collaboration hiatus by partnering with contemporary fashion brand Labrum London. This landmark partnership represents a strategic evolution for the department store group, bringing fresh creative energy to its seasonal offerings while celebrating cultural diversity through fashion.
The Collaboration Details
The expansive 38-piece collection marks a deliberate fusion of Labrum London's "daring design signatures" with John Lewis's established seasonal staples. The partnership was forged when the teams first met in Paris last year, where they discovered shared passions for storytelling, textile appreciation, and celebrating the UK's diverse cultural landscape. According to FashionNetwork, the collection was created through a collaborative process between Labrum founder and creative director Foday Dumbuya and John Lewis's in-house design team.
Design Philosophy and Cultural Fusion
The collection's core inspiration draws from "a fusion of cultures, combining the bold patterns and vibrant textiles of West Africa with contemporary British colour and silhouettes." This cultural dialogue manifests through modern design elements that prioritize texture, strategic placement prints, and functional utility details across the range. The collaboration represents Labrum's ongoing exploration of cultural identity and migration themes, which the brand has designated as 'The Sound of Us' for the year.
Collection Highlights and Pricing
Featuring a traditional autumnal palette elevated with unexpected accents, the collection includes inky navy and warm brown tones complemented by mustard yellow, burnt orange, and soft neutrals. Premium fabric selection includes lambswool, cotton merino cashmere, and leather, with prices reaching up to £369 for leather jackets. The collection will be available in five select John Lewis stores and through their online platform, making it accessible while maintaining an element of exclusivity.
Musical Integration and Brand Synergy
Adding another dimension to the launch, the collaboration includes Bowers & Wilkins as a supporting partner, integrating their new Px8 S2 wireless headphones to emphasize "the unifying force of music." This multi-sensory approach aligns with Labrum's broader thematic focus for the year. Dumbuya emphasized that the collection maintains Labrum's signature elements, including the Nomoli logo and intricate jacquard fabrics, while being "reimagined through the John Lewis lens."
This collaboration represents more than just a fashion collection—it signals John Lewis's commitment to evolving its menswear offerings through meaningful partnerships with innovative British designers. By blending Labrum's cultural narrative with John Lewis's retail expertise, the collection offers consumers a fresh perspective on contemporary British menswear that honors tradition while embracing cultural diversity and modern design sensibilities.
