Premium menswear label David Gandy Wellwear has unveiled a strategic partnership with retail entrepreneur Touker Suleyman, owner of Hawes & Curtis, Ghost and Finery.
Suleyman is best known to the public for his appearances on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den (where entrepreneurs invest — or not — in emerging businesses). But importantly, he’s the founder of Low Profile Holdings and as David Gandy Wellwear “accelerates its next phase of commercial growth”, Suleyman’s partnership with it will be used to speed up growth across four strategic priorities.
These include scaling the brand’s direct-to-consumer digital platform; enhancing its product development capabilities; building up a wholesale distribution strategy; and expanding local and international reach.
Suleyman said Gandy “represents today’s man, the guy you can relate to, and his knowledge of the menswear industry is unrivalled. David Gandy Wellwear has established a credible and differentiated position in the menswear market, with a clear customer proposition and capacity to scale. My involvement underscores our belief in the brand’s growth potential and my commitment to supporting British fashion businesses with genuine commercial headroom, and Wellwear is precisely that.”
Model-turned-entrepreneur Gandy had already been creating signature fashion lines with various brands during the last decade but finally launched his own label in 2021 with the collection being based on science and technology, specifically around the benefits of wearing soft, comfortable clothing that “fuses fashion, function and feeling”.
Of his latest move, he said: “Touker’s involvement marks an exciting new chapter for Wellwear. The support of such an experienced and knowledgeable partner with his operational expertise, industry relationships and commercial instinct is a defining moment for the business. This partnership gives us the infrastructure and strategic support to execute our growth plans at pace and extend our reach significantly.”
As mentioned, Wellwear operates “at the unique intersection of performance apparel and everyday menswear”. The brand’s fabric technology incorporates well-being properties including anti-odour, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, moisturising and UV-protective treatments, applied to natural fibres across a range of “elevated essentials”.
It has expanded since launch and currently offers a range of styles across 12 categories including T-shirts, loungewear, pyjamas, swimwear and coordinated sets.
The company said it’s seen 116% revenue growth since 2023 and has an active customer base across almost 70 countries.
The label launched as a third-party brand on M&S “to significant success” earlier this year and has previously collaborated with Hackett London and Jaguar TCS Racing.
Its most recent category launch was underwear and the first drop sold out within five days of release.
But while it’s proving popular, Gandy clearly believes he needs something extra to get to the next level and beyond and Suleyman has a powerful track record of doing just that with brands.
His acquisition of struggling heritage shirtmaker Hawes & Curtis – bough for £1 plus its debt load in 2002 – is one example and it saw turnover growth from £300,000 to nearly £70 million. It has also expanded from a single Jermyn Street location to more than 20 UK stores, “with expansion planned to further match market demand”.
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