What Universal Works is known for
Nottingham workwear label founded in 2008 by David Keyte and Stephanie Porritt from a kitchen table, drawing on Keyte's Midlands working-class background and prior experience at Paul Smith and Maharishi; British and Japanese-sourced fabrics cut into utilitarian menswear.
Universal Works was founded in Nottingham in 2008 by David Keyte and Stephanie Porritt, launching its first collection in 2009 while Keyte worked from his own kitchen table. Keyte had previously worked at Paul Smith and Maharishi, and drew the brand's founding inspiration from the utilitarian workwear that surrounded his upbringing in a working-class 1970s Midlands town. The label's identity centres on functional, workwear-influenced menswear made using a mix of British fabrics and mills, alongside sourcing that has included manufacturing in Portugal and England. Universal Works has since grown into an internationally stocked independent brand, retaining Keyte as co-founder and designer, while continuing to operate out of Nottingham.
Best for — Workwear polos, British; British workwear, thoughtful; Workwear Jacket
England; UK / Portugal
Where next
- Bleu de Paname — Paris
- Arpenteur — Lyon
- Spiewak — New York
Hand-curated for ORBIS · no paid placement