Rupert and Buckley


Rupert and Buckley is a British University derived clothing brand with its brand headquartered in Barnstaple, Devon. The brand creates British-inspired clothing and is most notable for its varsity socks.

History

The company was founded in 2011 by James Buckley Thorp whilst at the University of Kent where he was reading Law.
Having previously sold items in other outlets, the company opened its first own shop in Bath. In November 2013 the fashion label launched its "Brand Ambassador Scheme".
In early 2014, 25% of the company was sold to private investor Nigel Robinson.
On 5 November 2016, Rupert and Buckley opened their new store in the city centre of Oxford. The opening was supported by rising BBC Introducing star Chris Smee.
On 12 February 2017, founder, James Buckley Thorp, appointed a new CEO. Mr Alexander Newman is the current CEO of Rupert and Buckley LTD.
On 9 October 2017, Rupert and Buckley were announced as the Official leisurewear partner to The Boat Race, for a period of 3 years. Supply the teams with all their off water apparel.
In December 2019, Rupert and Buckley partnered with BUCS to supply leisurewear to university sporting teams through their new Bespoke Leisurewear division.
Spring / Summer 2020, the company undertook a massive global expansion program with distributors across the globe, firstly America and Europe with new territories joining monthly.

Branding and Products

The brand name was a combination of the founder's surname and the name he'd like to call his first child. The company incorporated aspects of British heritage and sporting design in its products, and used a deep purple and dark yellow colour scheme for its packaging and in some of its products. The fashion label described itself as grassroots university derived styling and the image and style of the branding was for the university market.
Rupert and Buckley's clothing ranges now cover Men's and Women's clothing for a wide range of age demographics. The ranges include the classic Oxford shirt, casual shirts, t-shirts and jumpers for Men's and dresses, shirts and jumpers for Ladies.