John Lewis x LABRUM London: A Confident New Chapter in British Menswear

John Lewis has announced its first menswear collaboration in over a decade — and it’s one that makes perfect sense. Partnering with LABRUM London, the cult British label founded by Foday Dumbuya, the collection signals a new direction for the retailer, and a renewed focus on design-driven fashion that merges craft, culture, and modern British style.

The 38-piece capsule — spanning outerwear, tailoring, knitwear and denim — arrives online and in select John Lewis stores from 21 October. It’s a collaboration that feels both timely and timeless, bridging Dumbuya’s signature fusion of West African heritage with contemporary British design, and John Lewis’ emphasis on quality, durability, and accessibility.

Dumbuya, who was recently nominated for British Menswear Designer of the Year by the British Fashion Council, brings his characteristic blend of storytelling and precision tailoring to the partnership. His work at LABRUM has long been about identity, migration and culture — expressed through bold textiles, distinctive silhouettes, and considered detailing. This collection, created in close collaboration with the John Lewis design team, continues that conversation in a way that feels natural and wearable.

There’s texture and richness throughout. Traditional autumn tones — deep navy, warm brown, burnt orange and mustard — form the base, while intricate placement prints, jacquard detailing, and utility-inspired accents add edge. Staples such as the ecru baseball cardigan and knitted v-neck vest are elevated with LABRUM’s Nomoli logo, while relaxed denim, boxy tees and oversized outerwear create a wardrobe that balances confidence and ease.

A standout of the range is a tailored blazer and overshirt, crafted with a bespoke jacquard fabric inspired by LABRUM’s cowrie shell motif — a recurring symbol in the brand’s narrative, representing connection and heritage. Elsewhere, premium fabrics like merino-cashmere, lambswool and leather bring a sense of quiet luxury, while utility details such as exposed stitching and large pockets ground the collection in functionality.

Rounding out the collaboration are accessories that complete the look — from logo beanies and scarves to minimalist caps — all designed to integrate seamlessly into an existing wardrobe. Prices range from £15 for socks to £369 for the hero leather jacket, keeping with John Lewis’ ethos of accessible quality while introducing LABRUM’s distinctive design DNA to a wider audience.

In a menswear landscape often caught between nostalgia and innovation, John Lewis x LABRUM London finds the sweet spot.