Folk celebrates 25th anniversary with archive collection

British menswear and womenswear brand Folk is celebrating its 25th anniversary year with an archive collection, which takes inspiration from the people who have worn the brand for over two decades.

Described as a "playful collection rooted in nostalgia and built to be worn for the next 25 years", each piece carries a story or a memory. For example, the washed denim jacket selected by "longstanding member of the Folk family", Paul Van Stone, is now reinterpreted as the ‘Anniversary Jacket’.

There’s also the ‘Little People Cardigan’, cherished by Folk customer Chris Wake, which has been reworked as a contemporary boxy cardigan with embroidered detailing for SS25.

Other old Folk favourites from various collections over the years have also been updated and further exclusive collections, collaborations and community initiatives are in the planning for the anniversary year.

With creativity at the heart of Folk’s story, the humble pencil is the symbol of its 25th anniversary celebrations – described as "a tool for sketching, scribbling, refining and redefining what’s possible".

In a "celebration of creativity, community and craft", five selected makers, creators, and crafters have put pencil to paper to create bespoke artworks. The result is an eclectic line-up of pieces set to auction next month, with all proceeds going towards supporting the next generation of creatives.

The five creatives are illustrator Joey Yu, glassblower Jochen Holz, ceramicist Ali Lousada, weaver Dalia James and artist Aaron Kudi, and the proceeds from their artwork auction will fund a series of short-course bursaries.

To be considered for a short-course bursary opportunity, creative ‘folk’ are invited to submit an existing artwork. Applications are open from May 2025, and those interested are asked to keep an eye out on Folk’s socials for the chance to apply.

The brand is also "laying the foundations for the future" with the launch of its Artist in Residence space at its store at 14 Eastcastle Street – just off Oxford Street in London’s Fitzrovia. The first six-month residency will be led by Joey Yu, paving the way for the next resident, be it an upcoming bursary winner or a future creative collaborator with Folk.