Cover Story
Crafting Legacies: John Smedley and Canali Join Harrolds
Meet the latest additions to our tailoring collection.
3 Minute Read
Family, tradition, excellence, craftsmanship: values that we live by and that the newest additions to the Harrolds tailoring collection perfectly embody.
Canali and John Smedley, just like Harrolds, are family-owned businesses that have passed from generation to generation. In this instalment of ‘The Journal’, we are proud to present the rich history of these two remarkable houses and why they will make great additions to your wardrobe.
With its incredible heritage, Canali has long been a cornerstone of menswear.
Canali – Made in Italy Excellence
Founded in 1934 by brothers Giovanni and Giacomo, Canali stands as a beacon of Made in Italy excellence through its artisanal know-how and, since its inception, has been a paradigm of tailor-made Italian luxury and men’s elegance.
Barack Obama has reportedly been known to wear Canali, and so have Hollywood stars such as Michael Douglas, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Ethan Hawke and many others.
From the very beginning, Canali has had the objective of creating the highest quality product, built according to a tailor’s rules, and it has done so by investing in research, development and training.
To this day, the Canali family remains the pillar on which the company’s DNA is based and represents both its roots and the engine for its future development.
“The decision to include Canali in our brand portfolio was a no-brainer. With its incredible heritage, Canali has long been a cornerstone of menswear. I firmly believe it will continue to set the tone in the industry for decades to come, given its trajectory and direction”, affirms Alireza Shakoori, Tailoring Buyer at Harrolds.
Imagery Courtesy of Canali
Imagery Courtesy of Canali
Canali manufacturing is a worldwide landmark of quality as it keeps the best out of its 100% Italian traditional know-how well integrated into a state-of-the-art production system. The result are pieces that “blend functionality and flair that are suitable for day-to-day activities. The brand’s style is understated yet elegant”, complements Shakoori. Perfect for the discerning gentlemen who wants to style himself in subtle and complete elegance.
John Smedley – Fit for Royalty
The John Smedley story began during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution. If you visit Lea Mills, Derbyshire, in the United Kingdom, you will still find their factory founded in 1784 – till this day the oldest manufacturing complex in the world – up and running. “John Smedley is not just a brand; it’s a chapter of history in the textile industry”, states Shakoori.
Proudly made in England, John Smedley remains a family-run business and is now managed by Ian Maclean, an 8-th generation member of the Smedley family. Their commitment to creating the world’s finest knitwear is unwavering, and the result are beautiful and high-quality garments that are designed to stand the test of time.
Their excellency has been recognised by the British Royal Family, who granted John Smedley the Royal Warrant of Appointment as a “Manufacturer of Fine Knitwear”, a distinction only awarded to people or companies who have regularly supplied goods or services to the Royal Household – a true testament of John Smedley’s trusted quality.
John Smedley is not just a brand; it's a chapter of history in the textile industry
Imagery courtesy of John Smedley
Imagery courtesy of John Smedley
Explore John Smedley at Harrolds and discover the collection of t-shirts and polos shirts that offer a contemporary look that transcend generations.
Harrolds is home to a unique range of ready-to-wear and made to measure tailoring labels, including Tom Ford – exclusive to Harrolds in Australia –, Brioni, Stefano Ricci, Caruso, Lardini, Luciano Barbera, Xacus and more. Book an appointment with your preferred style consultant to explore the collections in-store via our Concierge.
