Aquascutum Returns To Stuarts

September 15, 2023

Terrace legend Aquascutum makes a return to Stuarts after more than 4 years. The iconic tribal check of the London-born label is a perennial favourite among fans, from the original Mac wearers of the 1980s to the designer brand rebirth of the middle of the 2000s. With their roots dating back to mid 1800s Mayfair, Aquascutum has definitely earnt their stripes cementing themselves as one of the great London labels.

Aquascutum - A Brief History

The Mayfair tailor John Emary established a menswear store in Regent Street in 1851, which is when the British clothing company was founded. A few years later, he received a patent for his process for creating a material that repels water. He subsequently gave the business the Latin names Aquascutum-water shield-as its name. The 'Aquascutum Wrapper' quickly became popular among the guys who were walking the streets of Mayfair.

Emary and his son left Regent Street in the late 1870s and transferred ownership of Aquascutum to Scantlebury & Commin. Its leadership helped the company establish a reputation for offering breathable, weather-resistant apparel for golf, riding, shooting, and strolling. In 1895, a trademark was filed. The Prince of Wales, later known as King Edward VII, who issued Scantlebury & Commin Aquascutum's first royal warrant in 1897, wore the overcoats.

In 1900, the business established a womenswear department and began creating coats and outfits for females that were shower-proof due to the increased active lifestyles that women were leading. The first factory was established in Corby, Northamptonshire, in 1909. When the military started demanding lined overcoats, Aquascutum created the trenchcoat, which has a removable, buttoned-in lining. Following World War I, the trenchcoat became a staple of cicilian wardrobes.

A large selection of their renowned accessories in the club check pattern were introduced in the 1980s. The business underwent an expansion phase during which it opened locations in the US, Canada, France, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Singapore. Margaret Thatcher's wardrobe, which included everything from jackets and tailored suits to dresses and evening wear, was provided by Aquascutum starting in 1987, the year she made her historic trip to the USSR.

The British Olympic team's official outfits from the 1990s were provided by Aquascutum. In 1990, Renown of Japan acquired the business. After taking over as CEO in 2006, Kim Winser hired James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan and Brazilian model Gisele B-ndchen to represent the company. Since then the Aquascutum brand's ownership has changed hands several times, with the Nottinghamshire factory closing in 2012 and then falling into administration.

We are excited to now welcome Aquascutum back to Stuarts with this latest Active range of jersey Sweatshirts, Hoodies & Tees - all sporting subtle nods the brands iconic tartan print. Check out a few of our favourites from the latest collection below.