Stefan Cooke

Taking British heritage design to a forward-facing apex is Central Saint Martins MA graduates Stefan Cooke and partner Jake Burt’s approach to creating luxury menswear that is inspired by definitive wardrobe staples. The London-based house—named after Cooke—relies as much on meticulous technique as it does subversive invention in its quest to transform ordinary garments into extraordinary masterworks. At first glance, the label's pieces appear to be classic styles seen season after season, but up close are revealed to be argyle and check patterns printed as trompe l’oeil onto stretch garments, simulating classic wool sweaters, turtlenecks, cotton trousers and tailored coats. Cooke cut his teeth working alongside Walter van Beirendonck, Craig Green, and John Galliano and won the H&M Design Award 2018 and L’Oréal Professionnel Creative Award 2017, giving him the instrumental framework to start his namesake label. Where he specializes in textile manipulation and cerebral conceptualization, Burt’s affinity to shape exquisite silhouettes is at the heart of the brand’s sophisticated aesthetic, freely exhibited in flattering cuts intended to accentuate the male form.