Realm and Empire

The Realm & Empire men’s clothing label was established in 2011. It launched its first collection for SS12 and has quickly carved a niche as a brand that is not only visually appealing, but also British inspired to the core. At the centre of the Realm & Empire’s creative development is its exclusive partnership with Imperial War Museums (IWM). This unique collaboration sees an archive of overwhelming historical importance creatively interpreted into modern, stylish menswear. Realm & Empire was born out of a desire to create contemporary menswear that brings something new to a market swamped by suspect ‘heritage’ claims. A visit to The National Archives looking for inspiration led to a chance meeting with IWM and a private tour of the Churchill War Rooms. The collaboration with IWM is a departure from the typical licensing route where a logo is just slapped onto product. Each Realm & Empire garment is historically, militarily and sartorially referenced and given a unique Realm & Empire twist. Each season Realm & Empire shoots on location at one of the IWM sites, such as the Churchill War Rooms in London, the beautifully preserved Battle of Britain fighter station at IWM Duxford and HMS Belfast, the former Royal Navy Light Cruiser moored on the Thames and now part of IWM. Extending the British theme further, Realm & Empire has included fine 100% British-made Merino wool sweaters, waxed cotton jackets made from British Millerain and tees hand printed in Nottingham in its collections.