As a brand that constantly draws from overlooked corners of cultural history, Manchester-based Gander returns with a capsule collection that bridges two distinct traditions through craftmanship and storytelling. For its latest release, the label has sourced rare deadstock fabrics dating back almost a century, reworking them into a limited collection that connects ancient Chinese textile heritage with the spirit of Manchester’s Northern Quarter.
The collection centres around two of Gander’s signature silhouettes: the Peveril Jacket and Deans Shirt. Both styles take their names from locations embedded within Manchester’s cultural landscape, serving as a fitting canvas for a project rooted in heritage and preservation.
A Celebration of Traditional Nantong Weaving
At the heart of the collection is traditionally handwoven Nantong Cloth, a textile with origins stretching back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Widely regarded as an important part of China’s textile heritage, Nantong Cloth is characterised by its geometric compositions, often built from straight lines, rectangles and repeating grid-like patterns.
For this release, Gander has selected a series of naturally yarn-dyed indigo and white Reed Mat Patterns, considered among the earliest and most recognisable expressions of traditional Nantong weavings. The fabrics have been sourced directly from ancestral reserves held by the local Nantong families, giving new life to materials that may otherwise have been left untouched.
No Two Garments Are the Same
In keeping with the rarity of the fabrics, every piece in the Deadstock Patchwork Collection is entirely unique. Each Peveril Jacket and Deans Jacket features a different patchwork arrangement, making sure no two garments share the same composition.
The Deadstock Patchwork Collection will be available in extremely limited quantities through Gander’s official website, with a small allocation also landing at Awaykin Store in East London.
