A Collaboration Story
For many years, we have worked with Universal Works, a renowned British brand founded in 2008 by David Keyte and his partner. To celebrate this partnership, we are thrilled to present our first collaboration: Universal Works x Flâneurs.
The brand’s name reflects the universal and utilitarian nature of its clothing — accessible, durable, and timeless pieces. The predominant aesthetic at Universal Works draws from workwear, simplicity, and functionality, designed to live and perform its primary purpose. These are not ephemeral fashion items but pieces conceived to last and withstand everyday life.
This aesthetic mirrors the childhood of David Keyte, born in Tamworth in the English Midlands, into a family of craftsmen and workers. After working in manual jobs (coal mining, sign painting…), he worked for Paul Smith and Maharishi, refining an aesthetic that blends traditional workwear, British heritage, sportswear, and subcultural styles.
The Cabin Jacket, an Obvious Choice
At Flâneurs, one piece has always stood out: the Cabin Jacket. First introduced in Universal Works’ Fall/Winter 2017 collection, it quickly became a favorite in our wardrobes.
The Cabin Jacket draws inspiration from classic railway worker jackets, influenced by historical naval and railway uniforms. This stylistic versatility was envisioned by David Keyte as a modern utility garment, collarless, reminiscent of traditional workwear. He describes it as his contemporary take on jackets he saw during his childhood, a “cabin” evoking trains and ships.
Often presented as a lightweight, all-season piece for layering or as a standalone, the Cabin Jacket echoes Japanese-inspired garments such as the Noragi or Haori. Its function and design perfectly reflect the world we cultivate at Flâneurs.
However, its original tailored cut required some adjustments. The slightly widened chest and sleeves give it a modern, boxy silhouette, and the chosen fabric ensures a straight, clean drape with ease of movement.
- Classic front button closure
- Buttoned flap chest pocket
- Interior chest pocket
- Two lower patch pockets
- Straight hem and collarless for a clean silhouette
- Comfortable, relaxed straight fit
Harris Tweed, the Textile Soul of the Scottish Hebrides
This collaboration was naturally built around a fabric choice that needed no hesitation. We immediately turned to the renowned Scottish manufacturer Harris Tweed, whose history and craftsmanship resonate fully with our vision of clothing.
Universal Works has been a valued partner for many years, and we share the same admiration for the quality and sincerity of their creations.
Symbol of authenticity and ancestral know-how, Harris Tweed is far more than a simple fabric. A true cultural emblem of Scotland, it represents a rare combination of artisanal tradition, territory, and sustainability.
A Deeply Hebridean Origin
Harris Tweed takes its name from the Isle of Harris, located in the Outer Hebrides off northwest Scotland. Since the 19th century, this woolen cloth has been produced locally by islanders, in a harsh environment shaped by ocean, wind, and moorland. These wild landscapes directly inspire the colors and patterns of Harris Tweed, often composed of natural shades: stone gray, moss green, peat brown, and deep blue.
A Legally Protected Fabric
What makes Harris Tweed unique is its legal definition. According to British law, the fabric must be:
- Handwoven by island artisans,
- Made from virgin wool,
- Spun, dyed, and finished in the Outer Hebrides.
This protection is guaranteed by the Harris Tweed Authority, which ensures the fabric’s authenticity through the famous Orb Mark stamped on every certified piece.
A Timeless Fashion Icon
Long associated with hunting jackets and classic menswear, Harris Tweed has successfully reinvented itself. Today, it inspires contemporary designers and appears in ready-to-wear, accessories, and even interior decor. Its robustness, rustic elegance, and durability perfectly align with the demands of more responsible fashion.
This ability to transcend eras resonates particularly with the ametora spirit.
Derived from American Traditional, ametora describes how Japan has appropriated classic American and European garments — Ivy League, British tailoring, workwear — and reinterpreted them with rigor and care often exceeding the original models. Clothing is never a mere copy: it is studied, deconstructed, and reconstructed with meticulous attention to materials, cut, and function.
In Japan, iconic Western garments are not seen as relics, but as living templates to be developed and evolved. Harris Tweed fits perfectly into this approach: a heritage fabric reinterpreted with precision and modernity, where durability, function, and respect for the material take precedence over fleeting fashion trends.
Three colorways were selected for versatility, ease of pairing, and coherence within our overall offering:
- Navy: Blue and black herringbone base with subtle cream and orange highlights for a subtle plaid.
- Gold: Caramel base with golden reflections, accented with contrasting blues and burgundy.
- Green: Multi-tonal green base, accented with discreet yellow and ochre shades.
The common thread across these Harris Tweed fabrics is their depth. At first glance, they may seem uniform, but a closer look reveals subtle color variations and nuances that contribute to the richness and worldwide reputation of Harris Tweed.
Versatile and Timeless
The Cabin Jacket by Universal Works stands out for its careful and functional construction, inspired by traditional workwear. It features a front button placket, a buttoned chest pocket, two lower patch pockets, and an interior patch pocket. The straight hem and collarless design give it a clean, minimalist silhouette, combining versatility and practicality.
Complete Your Look
Whether worn alone as a mid-season jacket or layered for cold winter days, it’s no surprise that we chose the Cabin Jacket to celebrate years of sharing and partnership with Universal Works, a timeless favorite in our selection.
