Trunk's 15th Anniversary: Douglas Cordeaux of Fox Brothers & Co

For the next release in our 15th anniversary celebrations, we produced our in-house Devonshire overcoat in a beautiful wool twill from Fox Brothers & Co.

Founded in 1772 and based in Somerset, Fox Brothers is one of Britain’s most historic and renowned textile mills. Specialising in high-quality wool and flannel fabrics, the mill combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation, producing materials prized by tailors, designers, and luxury brands around the world. Known for their attention to detail, durability, and timeless style, Fox Brothers fabrics have become synonymous with British heritage and sartorial excellence.

To showcase the fabric and the coat, we invited Douglas Cordeaux from Fox Brothers to wear it for us while sharing his thoughts on the qualities of the fabric, the importance of craftsmanship, and what makes collaborations like this so meaningful.

Over the past fifteen years or so, how have you seen the menswear landscape change in terms of what men are wearing, how they are shopping, and how they think about quality and provenance?

I think menswear has seen a notable shift towards authenticity, quality, and craftsmanship. Men are increasingly aware of provenance, valuing fabrics and thoughtful construction. They want pieces that are timeless, versatile, and built to last — rather than chasing fast trends. At the same time, independent retailers like Trunk have played a vital role in introducing these values, giving customers access to carefully curated collections that combine style with real quality.

Small, independent retailers play such an important role in maintaining diversity and personality in menswear. Why do you think these shops are so vital to the health of the market, and what do they bring that larger brands often cannot?

Small retailers are vital to menswear, championing understated makers, introducing new fabrics and techniques, and offering a personal, informed shopping experience that larger brands cannot. They curate style, quality, and heritage, keeping menswear exciting and accessible to those who value craftsmanship and a personal touch.

Trunk has become something of a benchmark for contemporary menswear retail, with its thoughtful edit, great service and sense of discovery. From your perspective, what makes Trunk special, and why does it stand out to you as a partner?

Trunk stands out for its exceptional curation and Mats’ visionary approach, combining classic elegance with contemporary style. The store consistently highlights understated makers and showcases quality craftsmanship, offering timeless, sophisticated collections that enhance any wardrobe. Being part of Trunk’s journey over the past 15 years has been inspiring and a point of pride.

For our 15th anniversary, we’ve reworked one of our key seasonal outerwear pieces, the Devonshire overcoat, using a Fox Brothers fabric, which you’ve kindly worn for us. Could you tell us a bit about the fabric and how it performed in the coat?

The Devonshire overcoat exceeded my expectations. It is remarkably comfortable — the shoulder balance is perfect, making it feel almost like wearing a cardigan rather than a traditional topcoat. The wool twill fabric, predominately grey with a subtle warm beige thread running through, is of the high quality we are proud of at Fox Brothers. The coat achieves a blend of contemporary style, heritage quality, and lasting durability — a sustainable heirloom piece.

Fox works with a wide range of makers, designers and retailers. What does the mill value most about the businesses and people it collaborates with? Are there qualities or shared values you particularly look for?

We value partnerships with businesses and individuals who share our commitment to quality, heritage, and sustainability. Attention to detail, respect for craft, and a desire to create timeless products are crucial. Collaboration works best with partners who understand the story behind the fabric, appreciate its heritage, and are invested in delivering thoughtful, enduring designs.

Is there anything currently happening at Fox that you would like to highlight, such as new fabrics, collaborations, projects or directions that you are especially excited about?

Fox Brothers continues to innovate while honoring its heritage. We are excited about expanding our range of premium wool fabrics with subtle textures and innovative weaves, as well as working with brands and retailers who are committed to longevity and craftsmanship. Collaborations like the Devonshire overcoat project for Trunk’s 15th anniversary exemplify what we love to do — creating pieces that are both timeless and contemporary, with the highest quality fabrics.

Thank you, Douglas!