A History...

Charlie Allen is Menswear Designer, Tailor and Lecturer. A third generation tailor, Charlie grew up learning the craft beside his Father who ran his own business in North London. By the time he arrived at the Royal College  of Art to study MA menswear he was already a qualified tailor. At the age of 26 Charlie opened his first store on Golden Square in London's Soho. 'I grew up in a family obsessed with the business of clothes. By the age of eleven I'd already made my first pair of trousers. ' 

 

Charlie Allen Photograph

Royal College of Art

Graduation

Charlie graduates from the Royal College of Art as a 'Master of Design'. He presents his final collection to huge critical aclaim and is aknowledged as one of the standouts of his generation. The collection had all the elements that would become Charlie's signature.

The Perry Como

iconclast

Charlie creates the 'Perry Como' named after singer Perry Como who was renowed for his cardigans. It becomes his best selling and still most iconic piece to date! This created a huge market for counterfeit pieces being created left, right and center!

The Face Editorial

The Face

Editiorial of Charlie in the popular 'Face' magazine. He is photographed by the famed photographer Sheila Rock. Cementing their friendship and leading to her as a client.

Japan

License

Japan happens, with over 20 Charlie Allen shops opening across Japan.

Upper Street

Shop

Charlie feels the call of North London moving back to Islingtons Upper street. Charlie centralises his manufacturing base to the Frame Factory on Cross street- just around the corner from Upper Street. He brings the family back together to work with him.

Jasper Conran, Charlie Allen and Katherine Hamnett

Head of Menswear

Charlie pictured with his long time friends Jasper and Katherine during his tenure as the Head of Menswear at his alma Mater 'The Royal College of Art'. Katherine and Charlies relationship dates back to the start of both their careers when they were frequent collaborators.

Return

After taking time out of the industry to develop his Bespoke tailoring store, preside as Head of menswear at his Alma Matter (RCA) and build a family, Charlie returns to the industry.

Creative Director

Austin Reed

Charlie takes over as creative director of Austin Reed. He is tasked with overhauling the British heritage brand.

airplane mode

Charlie is comissioned to design crew uniform for British West Indian International Airlines and United Airlines.

Designer of the England World Cup Football kit

Football

Charlie is apart of the England world cup design team. In collaboration with Umbro's team they create a kit that is bespoke to each player.