Friends of Gloverall is a series that shines a light on the people whose values echo our own. Individuals who create with purpose, lead with integrity, and take pride in the process. These are the makers, designers, and thinkers who remind us that craft isn't just about what's made, it's about how and why it's made.
This time, we spend the day with Kingsley Walters, the founder of Kingsley Walters Studio, a London-based design studio specialising in hand-crafted leather and canvas goods. Kingsley's approach to making feels both classic and current; it's rooted in traditional craft but shaped by his own story.
You've built a brand rooted in UK craftsmanship - what's the importance of keeping that heritage alive?
"Keeping craft alive is really important to me. My passion has always been about learning how to make things properly."
"I was inspired by vintage clothing and old movies, and that led me to study tailoring so I could understand how to construct and deconstruct garments.
"When I did internships, like at Blackhorse Lane, and learned leatherwork, the goal was always to be able to do it myself. Making locally and by hand means I can stay connected to every step of the process. Sending production overseas might make things faster or cheaper, but it would take me too far away from the reason I started - to be hands-on and create things with care, purpose, and a story behind them."
How do quality and function influence your design approach - and how does that compare to your relationship with clothing?
"Quality and function are at the core of how I design."
"When I buy a garment for myself, I look at everything: the inside finishing, the fabric, and the details. I want to know why a piece is designed the way it is, whether it's a chino or a bomber jacket, because those design decisions usually come from function.
"When I design my own bags, I take the same approach. I think about how practical the piece will be, how long it will last, and how considered every detail feels. I make decisions based on what I like and the story I'm trying to tell."
When it comes to Gloverall outerwear, what stood out to you about your piece?
"As soon as I saw the coat on set, I knew it was the one I wanted to wear."
"I already knew the heritage behind it, and that pulled me in straight away - the length, the fabric, and the way it's constructed all appealed to me. I always pay attention to where something is made, the fabric, and the history behind it. I have to feel connected to what I'm wearing."
How do you define value in a garment - is it about how it's made, how it wears, or something else?
"Value, for me, starts with quality and with how much thought has gone into making something. When I buy a garment, I look at everything: the inside finishing, the fabric, the details. I want to know the story behind why it's made that way."
"When I design my own bags, I approach them the same way. I make decisions based on what I like and the story I want to tell. Someone might think the strap is too long or ask why something is placed where it is, but that's just how I wanted to make it. If people connect with it, that's great. If they don't, there are plenty of other brands they can buy from."
What does "well-made" mean to you in your day-to-day life?
"Well-made means something has been carefully considered, from the function to the choice of materials."
"I'm influenced by the past, especially military design, where every detail had a purpose. A bag wasn't made for fashion, it was made to carry things, and that inspires me.
When I make my bags, I use the best leather I can find and I always think about longevity. I'll debate whether to rivet a strap or just stitch it because I want it to last for years. At the same time, I try not to overdesign or price things so high that no one can afford them. Well-made, to me, is about creating something practical, durable, and accessible without compromising quality."
How does supporting UK manufacturing help shape a more sustainable fashion future?
"Supporting UK manufacturing is extremely important. If it hadn't been around when I was learning, I wouldn't have had a way into this industry. Supporting it keeps skills alive and gives the next generation opportunities to learn. It also benefits the economy and preserves a tradition of making here.
"It's not always easy, because sourcing materials or working with local suppliers can be slow and expensive. But that's why collaboration is so important - brands, makers, and manufacturers working together to keep the industry going. "Made in England" carries weight around the world, just like "Made in Japan" does for denim, and we should protect that.
"For me, UK manufacturing represents the mix of cultures and skills that make Britain unique. When you put all those backgrounds together - from Harris Tweed weavers in Scotland to leather makers in Northampton - you get something special. That's what British craft means to me, and it's worth keeping alive."
All images © Danny Burrows.