Universal Works - Nottingham, Rough Trade
With a few of my favourite contempoary menswear brands being based in Nottingham we couldn't visit the city without paying one a visit. Universal Works have become a familiar name on Buckets & Spades over the last few years – super wearable designs, consistency and an unpretentious approach to promoting themselves has created a much deserved loyal following.
It's been great to see UW become more recognised as each collection is released, and for the brand's latest expansion, David Keyte + co have set up shop right in the middle of their home city. Located in the Rough Trade building (along with a shiny new Aesop store, and cafe bar), this small but perfectly designed space houses the best of their latest collection. Japanese + British-inspired workwear offerings of casual and smart jackets sit alongside waterproof outerwear, British-made denim, simple shirts and jersey, the best fitting trousers you're likely to find and enough socks to sink a ship.
The store may be small, but when a place has got everything you need then, adding any more "sizzle" is just showing off. Opening a standalone store outside of London does come with its risks, but it just goes to show how much menswear has progressed in the past five years.
