Derek Rose, founder of the eponymous British brand, passes away

Derek Peter Rose, founder of the British-made apparel brand best known for its stylish pyjamas, passed away on Friday 29 August, his family has confirmed.

A highly respected figure in the fashion industry, Derek established the Derek Rose brand in the 1950s taking over the family fashion business established by his father Jack Lewis Rose.

The business has been manufacturing its garments in Congleton, Cheshire since the 1970s. During the following decades Derek Rose earned a global reputation for quality and design and was awarded the Queen’s Award for Export on two separate occasions.

In 1966 Derek Rose was elected chair of the British Menswear Guild, an honour that saw him escorting Her Majesty the Queen at the International Menswear Exhibition and representing British fashion at delegations around the world.

Derek was a passionate supporter of the fashion industry and took particular pleasure from working with mills and manufacturers, as well as agents and retailers, to create the high quality products that defined the brand.

In a statement the Rose family said Derek was "a mentor, a gentleman and a friend".

"He believed in beautiful design and that success is only meaningful when shared with others.  We will miss his warmth, his humour and his unwavering support.

"The Rose family and the Derek Rose team are committed to honouring Derek’s legacy.  We will continue to uphold the values he lived by—quality without compromise, respect for craft, and a genuine care for the people who make and wear our garments," the family said.

The Derek Rose brand is currently run by Derek's son Sacha Rose. The brand has standalone stores in some of London's most desirable neighbourhoods, including Knightsbridge, Marylebone, Notting Hill and Hamptead. It also has a host of stores in global locations from Toronto to Dubai and through stockists is present in around 50 countries around the world.