Our first menswear collaboration in over ten years is with the cult British brand

Introducing John Lewis x LABRUM, a 38-piece menswear collection and John Lewis’ first menswear collaboration in over a decade. It’s designed in collaboration with Foday Dumbuya, LABRUM London’s founder, who was recently nominated for British Menswear Designer of the Year by the British Fashion Council. Dumbuya founded LABRUM London in 2014 to bridge the gap between western and West African culture. Designs are inspired by Dumbuya's formative years spent travelling between Sierra Leone, Cyprus and London, and driven by his desire to create looks that are wearable yet idiosyncratic.

The name LABRUM is Latin for ‘have an edge’, and that is exactly what LABRUM London designs deliver; innovative garments which blend West African flair with British tailoring, creating sophisticated and unique looks.

LABRUM London’s Founder and Creative Director Dumbuya tells us about building his brand, celebrating the diversity of Britain, and his creative process.

Describe the debut LABRUM John Lewis collection…

This collection embodies our signature elements - like the Nomoli logo and intricate jacquard fabrics - ensuring it resonates as an authentic representation of LABRUM, celebrating the rich tapestry of culture and craftsmanship, reimagined through the John Lewis lens.

How did the LABRUM story start? 

It started in my living room with a single sewing machine. I wanted to create clothes that spoke to my own journey; from Sierra Leone to London, blending the rich craft and spirit of West Africa with British tailoring. For me, LABRUM has always been more than fashion; it’s about identity, community, and celebrating the beauty that comes from connecting cultures.

Why were you interested in collaborating with John Lewis? 

I wanted to collaborate with John Lewis because it represents British tradition, while LABRUM brings a fresh cultural rhythm. Together, we created something that reflects modern Britain; diverse, inclusive, and beautifully united through design.

Describe LABRUM in three words? 

Heritage, identity, and connection. 

How are you wearing the collection? 

I wear the collection everywhere, from the studio to dinners and events. Each piece is designed to move with you, whether you’re dressing up or keeping it casual. I might pair a printed shirt with tailored trousers and trainers, or layer a blazer over a simple T-shirt. 

Would you consider designing WW or Kids?

Yes! The LABRUM story is for everyone.

What's the one thing in your wardrobe you’d rescue from a fire?

I’d grab my first ever LABRUM jacket, the one I made when I was just starting out. It’s far from perfect, but it reminds me of where the journey began and why I started creating. 

What’s on your John Lewis wish list? 

I love a well designed lamp, and definitely the new Bowers & Wilkins PX8 S2 headphones, the sound quality is just incredible. Music is such a big part of my creative process, so good sound feels essential. 

How does music influence your creativity? 

Music is at the heart of everything I do. It sets the tone for how I design, how I think, even how I tell stories through LABRUM. I grew up surrounded by the sounds of West Africa, and those rhythms still influence the energy, colour, and movement in my work. 

What are you currently listening to? 

Right now I’m listening to Odomodu Blvck. His energy and storytelling really resonate with me. I love artists who mix culture, rhythm and identity, just like I try to do through design.

What do you wish you’d known before starting in your industry? 

I wish I’d known how much patience it really takes. In fashion, success doesn’t happen overnight. It's a long journey of resilience, faith, and staying true to your vision even when it feels like no one sees it.

LABRUM London invited Bowers & Wilkins to be a supporting partner within the collaboration, celebrating cultural identity, migration, and the unifying power of music. The new PX8 S2 noise cancelling headphones help bring to life the collaboration’s theme; The Sound of Us.

John Lewis x LABRUM is available online and in store at Oxford Street, Peter Jones, Stratford, Leeds and Trafford.