Universal Works

Universal Works is inspired by the formative years of its founder and designer, David Kette. He grew up in a provincial town in the Midlands in the 1970s, part of a working-class family who loved to dress well. Seeing his father and uncles in their workwear, and also dressing up for the weekend, was formative for him. Next, he experienced the evolution of 80s sports and music subcultures. And finally, a thirty-year span in the fashion industry. From Paul Smith to Maharishi, he trained and worked with some of the best in the business. Since David's life's work reads like a description of the company's DNA, Universal Works is about mixing ideas; understanding heritage and context, underpinned by contemporary needs and aesthetics. Universal Works advocates for skilled small-batch manufacturing. They produce garments in the right place, both in the UK and overseas, working only with factories they trust and are proud to collaborate with.