British fashion is in a moment of reinvention. Conversations around sustainability, provenance, and intentional design are louder than ever — yet behind the scenes, many emerging designers still face the same fundamental challenge:
Finding UK manufacturers who are willing to work with small, high-quality brands.
For Pinto Hervia, building a label rooted in British craftsmanship isn’t just a brand choice — it’s a commitment. From day one, I’ve sought out local partners who share an appreciation for precision, material integrity, and the kind of small-batch production that gives garments soul.
But the reality is clear:
many UK factories prioritise volume, not emerging talent.
Minimums are high, timelines are inflexible, and even securing a first conversation can feel impossible.
And this matters — not just to me, but to the future of British fashion.
A System Under Pressure — and an Opportunity
Recent stories across the industry highlight the same tension:
1. Knitwear demand is surging, with UK mills reporting a revival driven by sustainability-conscious consumers.
2. Savile Row tailors and heritage producers are navigating a new post-Brexit landscape, balancing rising production costs with a renewed appreciation for local craft.
3. British designers — from global names to emerging labels — are rethinking their supply chains, strengthening ties with local makers wherever possible.
This shift should be a catalyst for a stronger, more accessible network of British manufacturers.
Yet the designers who most need UK production — the ones building the next generation of British luxury — are often the ones shut out at the beginning.
Where Pinto Hervia Fits Into the Conversation
As I develop upcoming collections for Pinto Hervia, each season highlights the same truth:
British manufacturing should not be reserved only for the established.
If we want a thriving, sustainable fashion ecosystem, we must ensure that new voices can access the same level of craftsmanship that defines British luxury.
Working with small factories that do open their doors has been transformative — not just for the clothing, but for the spirit of the brand. These partnerships allow:
- Small-run production without compromising quality
- Closer relationships between designer and maker
- Greater transparency
- The ability to innovate without wasteful overproduction
This is the future Pinto Hervia stands for — modern, utilitarian luxury built on craft, care, and meaningful British provenance.
A Call for a More Supportive Ecosystem
If British fashion is to remain globally relevant, we need to create a system where:
- Emerging designers can access local manufacturers
- Factories can sustainably support small runs
- Craft knowledge is preserved and passed forward
- Production becomes a collaborative process, not a closed door
Because the truth is simple:
British fashion thrives when British making thrives.
And brands like Pinto Hervia — built with intention, rooted in authenticity, and committed to UK production — represent the next chapter.
Closing Thought
This Journal is about sharing the process openly — not just the polished final garments, but the realities of building a modern British brand from the ground up.
If you’re a maker, factory, or craftsman open to working with small-run luxury production, I’d love to connect.
The future of British fashion is collaborative — and it’s time we build it together.