Worth a look: Whistles x L.F.Markey
Good news for fans of L.F Markey’s utilitarian workwear, sturdy denim and modern basics (count me in); Whistles has just launched a collaboration with the brilliant London-based brand. This capsule collection of 15 hardwearing yet easy-to-wear basics is worth checking out. Signature indigo denim is softened by shades of the seaside: pale blue, cream and blush pink cotton – ideal for layering up during the Great British summertime. Hot water bottles in June: yes, really. My own L.F. Markey denim jumpsuit has received a lot of love during lockdown, so I’m contemplating the sage green Danny boiler suit, or possibly the pink Arthur cargo trousers (selling out fast). As a holiday abroad is unlikely until 2021, might has well get set for a staycation.
Whistles collaboration with LF Markey. Danny boiler suit on the right
Founded by Australian-born Louise Markey, a former fabric shop worker turned Burberry designer with an MA from London’s prestigious Central Saint Martins; L.F. Markey specialises in beautiful clothes for the elegant but practical gentlewoman. Initially a side hustle, the eponymous collection was inspired by artist’s smocks and blues de travail and became a fully-formed business in 2013. Now available online, at Net-A-Porter and various independent boutiques in Europe and the US; the two L.F. Markey stores in London ( one in Dalston and one in Covent Garden) are currently closed. Perfect for women who aren’t interested in faddy fast fashion, the timeless clothing and accessories are all are made using sustainable practices.
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Discussion (14 Comments)
Hello Maudie, I agree, it’s good to know who owns what in the murky world of fashion – and where your money is going. Though I like to see this online partnership as supporting L.F. Markey and getting their name and products out to a wider audience. Maybe I’m being too idealistic, but even big, established brands are struggling right now, so small independent companies have to take every opportunity they can.
K says:
Hmmmm…….maybe I’m too much the opposite of you, Alyson, ….. too practical? I must admit that I was rather surprised by this comment, as surely collabs are half a planet away from take-overs? In my experience over the past 3 decades, collabs have been here forever, and are usually a one-off in order for independents to broaden their name and get hits back to their home websites. They also enable them to sell into markets (overseas, out of country) that they find too expensive or too time-consuming to take on themselves. I am always grateful for the collabs on your site, Alyson, as many of the independents you promote do not sell into my country.
Mrs Tonia says:
In this debate I’m with you here Alyson. Because they have entered into a collaboration with Whistles I’ve seen these clothes previewed in the press and online for several weeks.
It should bring them to greater prominence and give greater sales. Very useful in this economic climate.
I like the white topstitching very much. It reminds me of a long indigo linen jacket with similar stitching I used to have. Looks like clothes worth getting and keeping for their timelessness.Helen says:
Hi Alyson
Not sure if you’ll see this as just catching up on posts from last few days. Do you know if they’re still manufacturing themselves or will Whistles be doing it? I don’t shop from Whistles because they do not have good sustainability practices (no evidence that they’re doing much of anything on either environment or labour issues), but you mention above that L.F.Markey does. So just wondering how that works with a collaboration like this – is it their designs in Whistles’ supply chain, or do they supply the goods as well?
Thanks
Ooh good question, Helen. I’d assumed it was L.F. Markey supply chain but let me look into it….
Thanks
VC says:
I bought an LF Markey cotton tee that is soft, stretchy but not too, well-designed and unique in comfort and style. Highly recommend this brand.
Victoria Kirkman says:
I own a lovely bright yellow skirt from LF Markey – from a few years ago. She’s also recently started a sister line – Meadows – which is very different but just as nice. I do wonder whether Whistles needs this collaboration more than LF Markey. Haven’t really looked at Whistles for years. Much prefer seeking out these smaller brands where you feel you know more about the designer, their practices and so on.
I agree Victoria that Whistles now is a far cry from what the brand used to be under previous managements. Maybe a hedge fund too many. I always used to find things I’d like to wear there and have kept these staples.
It’s probably a good move now to join up with an indie brand and move into more casual clothing which people have embraced WFH and generally.It’s such a shame. When Lucille Lewin was involved, Whistles was superb (that was quite a while ago now but it’s been downhill ever since).
I’ve got a Whistles top, bought for a wedding about 17 years ago, that I still wear. Supposed to be dry clean but it goes through the washing machine just fine. Vintage Whistles?!
maudie says:
I take on board all of these comments and they have given me time to think (?? time – lockdown??). I think perhaps my dismay comes from the fact that LF Markey are indie cool and, as stated, Whistles has descended down the tubes into tatty high street dross over the last few years. If LF Markey raises Whistles game I am all for it. Whistles used to be an ‘aspirational’ purchase for me years’ ago but now I would avoid it like the plague. (Bad choice of words AGAIN!). My high street opened a Whistles last year right next door to Hobbs – owned by the same company. It was always empty. So yes, I agree that Whistles needs this collab more than Markey. So many of these high street brands have lost their place/direction and part of me thinks that it wouldn’t be bad if they disappeared off of the radar. (Jigsaw, Hobbs, Oasis, Phase Eight etc. – they are too outdated and meh!). I often think that even Zara should watch it’s back.
Jilly Smith says:
I agree about Whistles not being too good anymore. I had beautiful clothes from Whistles on Walton Street and I remember Lucille. She had a real passion, but when Feathers bought her out it was never the same. I hope that Louise Markey can hold on to her lovely brand of designs. I would never buy her designs from Whistles only from her store.
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It always seems such a shame to me when a fabulous independent company has to diffuse itself into a retail giant’s claws (Foschini Group?) to stay afloat. I am sure that the Whistles/L F Markey designs are gorgeous but this kind of collaboration makes me sad. They already own Hobbs, Damsel in a Dress, Phase Eight etc and somehow L F Markey collaborating with them, diminishes their clout somewhat. I appreciate that economics are at the heart of it and the Coronavirus has slaughtered so many small companies and this is where the giants take their prey. Sad or what!