Private White V.C. is actually the name given to the in-house label, launched in 2011 by ex-financier and CEO, James
Eden. Nudging 250 years as a working textile factory, Cottenham House is very much family-run, with a skilled group
of very tight-knit employees, one of whom is Eden’s mentor, managing director and also godfather, Mike Stoll. It is
no wonder that nearly 10 years into existence, Private White V.C. have been able to carve out an identity in the
menswear scene that doesn’t bow to trends and fads and instead produces indomitable and irresistible outerwear.
Military tradition runs right through the core of the brand and so it’s no surprise their clothes are made to last
and made to serve. Amongst their military inspired apparel is the brand’s most refined Flight Jacket. In a beautiful
brown hue it is complete with 100% wool wadding, a water resistant 100% Merino Wool outer cloth with doeskin weave,
suede trim and a real shearling collar. An extremely versatile jacket, it’s an axiom that should be accepted in both
country and urban environments.
If you’re thinking of propping up your wardrobe with more casual jackets and coats, that comfortably bat away the
inclement weather scenarios, then Private White V.C. is your best port of call. Bomber jackets in either Merino wool
or moleskin are both handcrafted to the highest standard, whilst their Harrington jackets in either sand, green or
khaki will do an equally stylish job.
Some raincoats you see are extremely elegant in nature, but don’t quite have the technical prowess to shield you from
the volatile weather conditions. There is no such danger with the range of macs from Private White V.C. In a
timeless single-breasted design, it is handcrafted in Ventile®, which is the world’s most effective, natural
all-weather cotton textile.
Elsewhere, the iconic Private White V.C. Twin Track jacket is back. In a waxed olive cotton, this biker jacket is one
of the stalwarts of outerwear; and internationally recognised and revered thanks to its unique design and
unmistakable centre-front zip-out placket.
It won’t be long until the arctic chill hits us, which is the signal to layer up in chunky knits. The rollnecks in
the collection are standout jumpers in a very saturated market. Made from 100% cashmere their submariner rollnecks
can be found in navy, ecru, charcoal and Lochan. Alternatively, their ribbed crewnecks in the same hues will be fine
winter investments.
Manchester always seems to be under a cloud, whether it be under siege from rain or from smoke circulating in the
air. But on a refreshing note, thanks to James Eden there is a roaring family-run textile community operating from
Cottenham House, that should be highly treasured in the world of British manufacturing. They don’t just adhere to
cordon bleu manufacturing standards; the end product is unbeatable in the realms of outerwear.
