Bill Nighy and John Smedley Unite for a Timeless Knitwear Collection

Luxury knitwear brand John Smedley has announced an exciting and unprecedented creative collaboration with esteemed British actor Bill Nighy. This capsule collection marks a first-of-its-kind partnership for both the brand and the actor, celebrating a quiet loyalty that has spanned over five decades. Nighy, now 75, has been a devoted patron of John Smedley knitwear since the age of 17, consistently integrating their pieces as a foundational element of his personal wardrobe. His genuine enthusiasm and keen eye for detail were integral to the collection, which reinterprets signature silhouettes with a distinct tailored nuance.

The highly anticipated "Bill Nighy for John Smedley" collection is set to launch on 17 October, available for purchase directly from Johnsmedley.com and in the brand’s London stores. Prices for the refined range of pieces will start from £200. Designed with modern influences, the collection is notably unisex, featuring contemporary updates such as larger collars, more prominent rib detailing, and subtle yet transformative tailoring cues that elevate classic styles.

Among the collection's key offerings are a sharply angled waistcoat and cardigan, expertly conceived as a distinctive twinset. This pairing offers a sophisticated nod to traditional suiting while maintaining a relaxed and accessible attitude. Another highlight is a luxurious cashmere and merino set of Long Johns, which hold significant historical importance for John Smedley. For Nighy, these garments are a matter of practical necessity; he personally ensured their inclusion in the collection, as he wears a pair on every film set throughout his projects.

The aesthetic of the collection is deeply personal to Nighy. The core palette is built around his favourite deep navy hue, providing a sophisticated and versatile foundation. The fit, too, is unique, designed to present a shorter, boxier, and inherently unisex silhouette that reflects a contemporary sensibility. Every detail within each piece is thoughtfully driven by nuances of Bill’s personal and professional life.

This personal touch extends to the collection's unique motifs. "Stay Modern" is incorporated as a statement of intent across product labelling, reflecting Nighy’s enduring style philosophy. Furthermore, a distinctive bird motif, originally an illustration that Bill drew on every script throughout his career, has been re-imagined as intricate embroidery details in various complementary hues across the entire range, adding an intimate and artistic flourish.

Reflecting on the collaboration, Bill Nighy shared his characteristic wit and profound connection to the brand: “If you’d told me when I was 17 that I’d be working with John Smedley to design a collection, I’d have arranged to be more cheerful in my early life. I wore John Smedley polos in the 60s and 70s in frontline defiance of the silk shirt open to the third button or the tie-dye T-shirts doused in patchouli oil. We were pioneers. As I got older, and Mod became Modernism they remained an essential item. If I do nothing else with my life, there will always be this. Don’t forget to Disco.”

Jess Mcguire-Dudley, Managing Director of John Smedley, also commented on the partnership, stating: “Working with Bill was a true lesson in considered design — every decision was intentional, from fabric to fit. His genuine connection to the brand came through at every stage, from exploring the archive to the final fittings, making this an incredibly authentic and inspiring collaboration.”