PRIVATE White V.C., the Salford-based British heritage menswear brand inspired by the heroic deeds of Victoria Cross-winning Private Jack White, did a noble thing this week.
A-list fans include Tom Hardy, Eddie Redmayne and Kevin Spacey
When fellow Salford-based clothing manufacturer Sweeney shut down production last month, Private White V.C.’s managing director, James Eden, stepped in to purchase its equipment and take on more than half of their workforce.
The new employees bring the staff headcount at Private White VC to nearly 100.
It's a classy move by the brand, which has operated from the same city centre factory on the River Irwell, Cottenham House, for over 100 years.
Named after Eden's grandfather, Private White - who worked in the factory in 1918 after returning from World War I - the staff expansion marks a significant growth for the luxury menswear label.
Vince Cable on a tour of the factory with Private White V.C.'s James EdenRising interest from the menswear market recently led the company to extend opening hours, helped by the pound's slide following the Brexit vote which has made the brand's clothing cheaper for foreign buyers.
“The fall in the pound has made our clothes significantly cheaper," says Eden. "In the past month, we’ve seen a huge uplift in traffic, enquiries and ultimately revenue from overseas. Some of our key markets are the US, Germany, Japan and the Scandinavian nations.
Exported to 45 countries, the clothes in the shop are designed, made and tailored on site with the vast majority of the fabrics sourced in Northern Britain. The company believes it is the last and only British luxury fashion brand 100% manufactured in this country.
With a stronger workforce, the future looks promising for the label, which is now stocked in Selfridges, Harrods and its own store in Mayfair, with A-list fans including as Tom Hardy, Eddie Redmayne and Kevin Spacey.
To find out more, or to arrange an appointment, check out their website: www.privatewhitevc.com
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