END. X YMC “BEST OF BRITISH”

The capsule is heavily inspired by post-punk and its cultural significance in the UK, taking cues from the styling adopted by the movement’s figureheads during the ‘70s and ‘80s. In contrast to the DIY aesthetics of London punk, Northern post-punk was often more sartorial leaning, combining elements of office wear, shirting and knitwear. Channelling this, the “Best of British” collection is comprised of knits, tailored trousers, shirting and wool jackets — sophisticated clothing with a punk feel, industrial yet subversive.  

“YMC and END. have worked together for many years, and our relationship thrives on a shared mindset — that clothing doesn't exist in isolation but is part of a wider culture encompassing music, art, and design, which speaks to who we are and what we are passionate about. This capsule celebrates those inspirations, drawing on the origins of music's role in creating identity to develop eight new pieces that reflect us both.” - Shaun Somerville, Design Director, YMC 

 “YMC has been a long-time partner of END.’s, aligning heavily with our values as a retailer. Since being founded in 1995, the brand has represented an integral part of cultural touchpoints in the UK — movements that have heavily inspired the creative vision of END. since day one. With our collaborative capsule, we wanted to shine a spotlight on the musical culture of the UK and the style identities born out of it.” - Callum Hill, Senior Collaborations Design Manager, END. 

The sartorial codes referenced throughout the collection are a nod to the figures who were instrumental to post punk’s origins, who would often go straight to gigs on an evening after working at their office jobs. The Basement Bomber and Stoosh Cargos, for instance, are crafted from striped European grey wool, converging elements of both utility and tailoring. YMC’s classic Brainticket sheepskin has been reworked in all black, retaining its premium heavy duty suede construction, shearling lining and leather-bound finishes. Furthering the references to post-punk styling, the Made in Scotland Suedehead crew neck jumper is knitted from brushed lambswool in plum and black stripes, while the Curtis shirt is updated in translucent Japanese burgundy check. 

Elsewhere, a vest is hand knitted from a wool mix and detailed with a wolf motif at the back — channelling the bold spirit of the collection’s muses — while the Replacement Jean is crafted from washed 13oz black denim. To complete the collection, two tees, one black and one white, are printed with a backstage silhouette of a post punk band during the late ‘70s, captured by British music photographer Adrian Boot.