London, August 2011. Redchurch Street, Shoreditch was the heart of a menswear explosion. A new destination that brought together retail’s raconteurs of style with established and up-and-coming labels during the international buying period. Thirty five designers found residence for two days at Rochelle School to offer a wide range of streetwear, heritage-inspired workwear, sportswear, hi-tech outerwear, premium denim, vintage, suiting and more – all under one roof.
 
Now, February 2015 is upon us and Jacket Required returns to The Old Truman Brewery for its eighth edition. With over 225 labels presenting autumn/winter 2015 collections, the exhibition has indeed changed and evolved, while importantly developing its recognisable voice by upholding a considered strength in its curation. Labels involved since the show’s inception such as Edwin, Garbstore and Penfield, join a new lexicon of brands including Red Wing, Gant Rugger, Mr Start and Clarks Originals to give the most comprehensive view of the very best available in the modern menswear market.
 
“We are definitely back where we belong” says Mark Batista, the show’s co-founder. “Our time at Victoria House gave us an opportunity to present more of the brands we like in a controlled way.
 
“The risk paid off, and with one of the strongest line-ups in the international trade calendar, last year we made our return to Shoreditch,” he continues. “East London – our birthplace, a creative atmosphere, a contemporary yet raw industrial space, with brands, buyers and members of the press who have championed the show from day one. Like a kid who was sent off to learn about the world and become a man, we were back. Older, wiser, incorrigible – Jacket Required had come home.”
 
While growth is evident for the premium menswear tradeshow, the exhibition’s blueprint has remained very much the same, and a strong emphasis upon editorial transparency continues into the new seasons ahead. Now situated over two floors, Jacket Required has progressed, creating an influential environment catering to the “bon vivants” of the menswear industry. More space may mean more brands, but it also provides a platform for further variety and depth, as additional footwear, outerwear, accessories and lifestyle brands amplify and diversify the line-up, while preserving the show’s collective energy and retaining the style quota.
 
“There is no better place to be than London right now,” enthuses co-founder Craig Ford. “The show promises to invite strong brands that are relevant to the current market, all with something different to say – whether it’s a label priding itself on British manufacture or an international name from the US or Japan that we’re introducing into the European market. Not only that, but London’s retail landscape is really on point at the moment. East London in particular boasts a multitude of independent and brand-owned menswear specialists – all echoing our commitment to diversity.”
 
And so it’s no wonder the show has found its way back to Shoreditch – an embodiment of the vibrancy all East London and the menswear community has to offer – Jacket Required’s true spiritual home.