Universal Works
Feel-Good Goods
We're seeing a clear trend toward heritage and substance in menswear.
David Keyte, Co-Founder & Design Director:I agree, thoughthisisn’t anything new for us—it’s been part of our DNA from the very beginning. We’ve always worked with small-scale producers and family-run manufacturers who bring their own authenticity to our products. Quality has always played a central role, especially in the German market. At the same time, I get the sense that many consumers today are less impressed by big labels or logos and are instead looking more for quality and genuine value—for things that feel good to buy and own.
What role does craftsmanship still play in menswear today?
AI and technological advancements are leading to greater uniformity and conformity in many ways. While this can be beneficial, it also intensifies the longing for honest, down-to-earth craftsmanship—for something human. And that often means not being perfect. More and more people are coming to appreciate the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi—the beauty of imperfection. It is precisely these details that we want to preserve in our collections going forward.
