Wales Bonner x John Smedley Is Captured Through an Ethereal Lens
Celebrating British craftsmanship alongside the 240-year-old knitwear master.
Summary
- Grace Wales Bonner visited the John Smedley mill in Derbyshire after last year’s Met Gala.
- The duo presents three Merino wool polo shirts grounded in elevated craftsmanship.
- The collection is available now via both Wales Bonner and John Smedley.
Grace Wales Bonner continues to build lasting momentum for her eponymous label ahead of her highly anticipated debut as Hermès’ menswear creative director in 2027. For Spring/Summer 2026, the designer joins forces with British knitwear institution John Smedley on a refined collaboration that celebrates shared heritage through an ethereal, almost angelic lens.
Wales Bonner visited the John Smedley mill last year, diving into the brand’s 240-year legacy and production process. The trip sparked inspiration from Smedley’s signature check textures and lace-collar details, which are reworked through Wales Bonner’s refined, preppy lens.
The capsule lands as part of Wales Bonner’s SS26 lineup, spotlighting elevated staples made to last. Merino wool polo shirts land in three colorways, finished with a co-branded chest logo and made in England using John Smedley’s knitwear expertise.
Take a closer look at the Wales Bonner x John Smedley capsule collection in the gallery above. The collection is available now via both Wales Bonner and John Smedley.
