Universal Works

For the past three-and-a-half years this menswear label has only ever been homed at streetwear havens like Good Hood and Urban Outfitters, but now Universal Works has taken the step to go solo with its first stand-alone store. On Lambs Conduit Street, which has become fertile menswear hunting ground with labels such as Oliver Spencer, Folk and Simon Carter, the snug space is suitably kitted out with scaffolding pole rails and battered wooden-panelled flooring, contrasting with crisp white walls. The collection is thoughtfully designed by David Keyte and Stephanie Porritt (the former worked at Paul Smith for 20 years). The wares are aimed at the urban-cool set who are going to jump at the chance to buy yet more checks, staple T-shirts, crewneck jumpers, elbow-patched jackets and cool shoes. Prices are at the high end of high street, so we’re talking around £135 for a jacket and £90 for a shirt – not exactly a steal but for quality and wearability we feel they are justified.