Drake’s began life in East London in 1977, a stone’s throw from the city’s silk weaving roots in Spitalfields. Originally a maker of men’s ‘Scarves, Shawls and Plaids,’ the company found a loyal following amongst both high fashion boutiques and conservative tailoring houses in the most discerning markets of Paris, Milan and Tokyo.
The company soon began producing handmade ties and handkerchiefs under the watchful eye of eponymous founder, Michael Drake, which quickly took up their place at the heart of the business. Now under the guidance of Creative Director Michael Hill, Drake's has expanded its offer to fully embody the principle of relaxed elegance, producing soft tailoring in Italy, exquisite knitwear in Scotland, and shirts in the brand's very own shirt factory in Chard, Somerset, all the while remaining faithful to the well-established Drake’s handwriting.
The brand prides themselves in their dedication to craftsmanship and exacting quality. This, paired with their idiosyncratic design sensibility, is a bedrock for creating enduring garments and accessories of real worth. In the words of Michael Hill, "we make things that people can and will want to wear, for years and years to come." Drakes’ commitment to the finest raw materials and authentic processes remains at the heart of everything they do. As well as partnering with the world's greatest mills and makers, this philosophy is best illustrated through their own UK factories. Today, they wholesale to major department stores and menswear boutiques around the world, and also have retail locations in London, New York, Tokyo and Seoul.
Drakes has a history of collaborative projects with Fred Perry, Adam Dant, Nackymade Glasses, Private White, and Royal College of Arts. Drakes has also won several awards for prestige in its area such as Queen’s Award for Export and the UK Fashion Export Gold Award.