Skip to content

10.25Something Old, Something New: Ted Allott

The Multibrand Store is a place to find things that will last, both in terms of style and quality. We hope that every item we sell will in time become a well-worn, well-loved favourite; one that's still in action many years down the line. With that in mind, we've invited our most stylish friends to reach into their wardrobes and pull out a cherished piece – sharing the story behind it, and showing us how they style their old favourite with a new favourite from the Multibrand Store. This is Something Old, Something New.

First up we have Ted Allott, a vintage clothing specialist, and proprietor of one of London’s very best vintage showrooms, Worne. Ted dipped into his extensive archives to show us a pair of 1940s worker's jeans. 

What is it?

A pair of 1940s denims, likely worn for farm work and heavy manual labour. Brand unknown, there was a very small cotton label on the back pocket, but it’s been lost with time. The metal snap button has been replaced.

How long have you had them?

Not too long actually – about a year. I purchased them to sell via Worne, however when they arrived and I tried them on, they fitted me too perfectly (for denim of that age) to sell on. The only trouble is a new tear or hole appears every-time I wear them – as you can imagine cotton of that age isn’t the strongest! 

How did they come into your possession?

EBAY! Not the most romantic of stories but as a vintage seller it’s one as old as time. Years ago, I used to dig through charity shops, army surplus stores and car boot sales, now it’s eBay and all the other digital reselling markets. It’s definitely not as fun, and there isn’t the same community attached to those platforms, but you can find great stuff without having to leave your armchair! I always prefer to shop in person, meet and talk to other dealers and sellers, however we’re all aware of the digital direction the world has taken. 

What do they mean to you?

A whole lot. For me, these denims perfectly represent what Worne is. Age, beauty, full of repairs, and so obviously authentic you can’t not love them! They’re a perfect example of “elegantly knackered,” the tagline associated with Worne. So if you can understand why these dusty old jeans are so special, you’ll understand Worne. 

What do you like about the cardigan?

The Scott & Charters cardigan is a fantastic, luxurious knit - as comfortable as it is chunky, it can feel more like an outerwear piece if you style it with a sweatshirt underneath. The softness and elegance of the cardigan worked really well against the thrashed and repaired denims. Creating that contrast is always important when I put my outfits together.

Ted wears his vintage jeans with a lambswool shawl collar cardigan from Scott & Charters, available now. 

Shop Shawl Collar Cardigans

Credits

Words

Nathan Sharp

BAG – (0)