WALPOLE: CELEBRATING BRITISH CRAFTSMANSHIP AND STYLE

Last night, Walpole members and guests celebrated British Luxury and US-UK relations with a cocktail reception at The British Residence, UN Plaza. With abundant drinks, spectacular views, and a friendly (and stylish) crowd, it was a special evening for all.

An organization and collective voice funded by its 250 iconic UK brands, Walpole’s admirable goal is to strengthen business, trade, and cultural relationships with the luxury sector worldwide. At $106 billion annually, the American market is its largest individual trade partner, second only to the EU and accounting for ¼ of all exports.

Asked to define luxury in an era of inflation, tariffs, and uncertainty, Walpole CEO Helen Brocklebank gave us the best anti-elitist definition we’ve heard. “Not only does luxury have nothing to do with price, we see it as the exact opposite of expensive. Luxury is what brings joy, whether it’s a box of fine teas, special chocolates, or sparkling wine shared with a friend. Luxury is when your favorite hotel knows your pillow preference. Luxury is hand craftsmanship and the pride it brings. Luxury is for everyone.”

Brocklebank, just returning from Washington DC, where she represented British Luxury to policymakers, made a compelling statement about US-UK trade. “This isn’t a moment for waving the flag from afar, but for rolling up sleeves, strengthening relationships, and making a case for the value British luxury delivers to the American economy.”

Walpole as an organization has seen great success with the US luxury market with suiting from the likes of superstar tailors like Katheryn Sargent, fine footwear with brands like Clark’s, and ready-to-wear with Cowdray and Dunhill (all of which are members of Walpole.) All of these brands play on the UK’s reputational strengths of sophistication and tradition.

Areas of opportunity for UK brands are in luxury casual essentials from sporting wear but by leaning into textiles and textures that evoke, as one guest put it, “all things damp” while evoking an air of near-dandy-ish refinement.

Notably, dressing in classic British suiting has become a well-established trend with younger social media influencers. Brocklebank commented on this, saying, “I think it’s quite exciting to see young people expressing an interest in the idea of dressing up.”

Walpole aims to operate as a liaison between US menswear retailers, not just US customers, by helping them connect with the vendors they represent.

Additional contributions by Brett Edward Stout