After giving you a sneak preview of Oi Polloi’s in-house brand Cottonopolis back in July, we can finally show you the entirety of their first drop including the Whillans Parka, Elbow Patch Crew Knit and a selection of belts.

Well, firstly may I mention how happy I am to see a great UK store such as Oi Polloi launching a strong in-house brand. Personally, I feel it needs to be done more often, not that i’m encouraging every store in the UK to start an in-house brand, but it would be nice to see more leading UK stores getting more involved in product some way, such as Oi Polloi are doing so here.

Launching with a tight and concise collection, Cottonopolis have created a parka jacket, knitted crew and an array of belts featuring some intriguing buckle mechanisms. I don’t think the flat shots of the Whillans Parka really do it justice, as you can see when it is adorned by the model below, filling it out and letting the jacket take on the shape and presence it was designed for. The surprise highlight of the collection has to be the Elbow Patch Crew Knits with their marl wool appearance and suede elbow patches. Simple, yes, but they look so damn good on, especially when combined with the Cottonopolis parka jacket in the matching colour – a bold but effective look.

The belts have all been made in England, as well as the Whillans Parka jackets, and ooze character. The quick-release buckle featured on one particular belt is something I have never seen before, but I’m loving the look of it. This is a truly strong start for any brand, and I look forward to seeing more from the Cottonopolis camp. Wishing the Oi Polloi family all the success deserved with this in-house project. Here’s to another great addition to UK Menswear.

All of the product featured here is available now from Oi Polloi.

• About the Author

Alex Synamatix

One of three co-founders at THE DAILY STREET, Alex is our Editor-in-Chief, overseeing all TDS activity. Outside of TDS, Alex is a respected creative in his own right, from art directing club nights (comm•une) to consulting for some of the largest global brands.