In an exciting collaboration, British luxury knitwear brand John Smedley has unveiled an exclusive capsule collection designed in partnership with celebrated actor Bill Nighy. The collection celebrates over five decades of Nighy’s affinity with the brand, showcasing a seamless blend of enduring style, personal touches, and British craftsmanship.
Nighy, who has been a loyal wearer of John Smedley since the age of 17, brings his unique vision to the iconic brand, offering a collection that reflects his personal style and values. As one of Britain’s most respected actors, Nighy’s involvement brings a touch of sophistication and timeless appeal to the collection, which reinterprets classic John Smedley pieces with a tailored nuance.
A Personal Connection to John Smedley’s Craftsmanship
John Smedley has long been synonymous with luxury and quality, offering fine knitwear crafted in England. For Nighy, the connection to the brand runs deep, as he notes that John Smedley knitwear has been a cornerstone of his wardrobe for decades. In fact, he has consistently turned to the brand’s garments as an essential part of his daily life and career. The actor reflects, “I wore John Smedley polos in the 60s and 70s in frontline defiance of the silk shirt open to the third button or the tie-dye t-shirts doused in patchouli oil. We were pioneers. As I got older, and Mod became Modernism they remained an essential item.”
This personal connection has made the collaboration all the more meaningful, with Nighy describing the process of designing the collection as a “true lesson in considered design.” Each piece, from fabric to fit, was developed with thoughtfulness, reflecting Nighy’s deep understanding of what makes John Smedley’s craftsmanship special.
The Capsule Collection: Key Pieces and Unique Features
The capsule collection, designed for both men and women, is a unisex offering that reinterprets John Smedley’s signature silhouettes with a contemporary yet timeless touch. The pieces reflect the brand’s commitment to longevity, craftsmanship, and understated elegance, with Nighy’s unique perspective added through thoughtful tailoring details.
One standout piece is the sharply angled waistcoat and cardigan, which Nighy has styled as a distinctive twin set. This design nods to traditional suiting with a relaxed attitude, perfectly capturing the essence of modern British style. Other notable items include a set of Long Johns made from a luxurious cashmere and merino blend, inspired by a historically significant garment for John Smedley. Nighy insisted on including these pieces in the collection, as he has worn Long Johns on every film set, making them a personal favorite and a testament to his commitment to comfort and quality.
As a tribute to his own career, Nighy included a bird motif in the collection—an illustration he has been known to sketch in the margins of his scripts over the years. The motif has been re-imagined as embroidery across various pieces, subtly nodding to Nighy’s personal touches in a way that is both meaningful and stylish.
Personal Details and Signature Touches
One of the defining features of the collection is the deep navy hue that takes center stage throughout the range. This color holds special significance for Nighy, as it is his favorite shade, and it gives the collection a refined yet understated appeal. The combination of navy with the earthy tones of the other pieces creates a timeless palette that is both versatile and distinctive.
The collection is a true reflection of Nighy’s style: refined, modern, and timeless, yet still grounded in personal history. Nighy’s long-standing admiration for John Smedley is evident in the meticulous attention to detail throughout the pieces, as he injects his personal style and memories into each design.
A Nod to Tradition and Sustainability
John Smedley’s history dates back to 1784, making it one of the oldest, still-operational knitwear manufacturers in the world. The brand has long been known for its focus on sustainable craftsmanship, creating products that are built to last and withstand the test of time. Each garment in the Bill Nighy for John Smedley collection has been crafted in England, with a focus on using fine gauge merino wool, cashmere, and the brand’s renowned Sea Island Cotton.
In recent years, John Smedley has invested significantly in its manufacturing processes, ensuring that the brand remains at the forefront of luxury knitwear. In 2024, the company invested over £3 million in machinery to bolster its production line and reintroduce third-party manufacturing, marking an important step in bringing knitwear production back to the UK. This commitment to quality and sustainability is reflected in the timeless nature of the Bill Nighy collection, which is sure to become a staple in wardrobes for years to come.
A Legacy of British Craftsmanship and Innovation
The collaboration between Nighy and John Smedley is not only a celebration of the actor’s personal connection to the brand but also a celebration of British craftsmanship and innovation. The collection is rooted in the heritage of John Smedley while offering a fresh, contemporary perspective on classic knitwear. With pieces that blend traditional tailoring with modern sensibilities, the collection exemplifies the brand’s enduring commitment to quality and longevity.
Jess Mcguire-Dudley, managing director of John Smedley, notes the collaboration as a special milestone for the brand. “Working with Bill was a true lesson in considered design – every decision was intentional, from fabric to fit,” Mcguire-Dudley said. “It’s been an honour to collaborate on such special pieces – ones that will now become part of the John Smedley legacy, and we hope, the wardrobes of many for countless years to come.”
When and Where to Shop the Collection
The first drop of the Bill Nighy for John Smedley collection will be available on October 17, 2025, both online at johnsmedley.com and in the brand’s London stores. Prices for the collection start from £200, and a second drop is scheduled for February 2026.
This collaboration is a celebration of not only fashion but also the enduring nature of personal style and craftsmanship. With its blend of tradition and innovation, the Bill Nighy for John Smedley collection is poised to become a timeless addition to the world of British luxury knitwear.
