Classic merino wool knitwear with a modern twist. A capsule collection by John Smedley and Wales Bonner.

A British brand with a long history has teamed up with a brand from London that brings a fresh perspective to fashion. The knitwear brand JOHN SMEDLEY, founded in 1784, and WALES BONNER are unveiling a capsule collection.

This collection, titled “JOHN SMEDLEY for WALES BONNER,” will go on sale in Japan starting Tuesday, August 25. It will be available in limited quantities at JOHN SMEDLEY stores in Ginza, Aoyama, and Osaka, as well as on the official online store.

The collection centers on merino wool polo shirts finished in chic colors inspired by plants and tree bark, as well as ivory. They feature a preppy vibe that, while made from high-quality, delicate fabrics, never feels too stuffy. All items are produced at the headquarters factory in Derbyshire, England.

Polo shirts: 1 TP9T154,000 each

Crew-Neck Sweater ¥159,500

This collaboration was unveiled by Wales Bonner as part of its Spring/Summer 2026 collection during Paris Fashion Week 2025. During the production process, the team visited John Smedley’s headquarters and factory to research the brand’s archives, which span over 240 years. They drew inspiration from the mid-20th-century knitwear they discovered there—including checkered textures, lace-like collars, and delicate surface finishes—and incorporated these elements into their designs.

This collaboration reimagines British craftsmanship—a tradition dating back to 1784—from a contemporary perspective. By honoring tradition while offering fresh interpretations of its archives, it breathes new life into John Smedley’s knitwear. Don’t miss this limited-edition collection, where British craftsmanship meets modern design.