Derek Rose announces death of founder

Derek Rose, founder and chairman of the menswear company of the same name, died in late August. He’d taken the helm of the family business from his father in the 1950s and guided it as it grew and went international.

The company said he was an early champion of British manufacturing and craftsmanship, and his dedication helped the brand win the Queen’s Award for Export on two separate occasions.  

Its success was recognised as in 1966 he was elected chair of the British Menswear Guild and also represented British fashion at delegations around the world.

The company said he “loved the clothing trade—not just the business itself, but the people and the products.  He delighted in working with mills, manufacturers, agents and retailers to produce the garments that defined the brand. His global vision and insistence on quality led to a loyal clientele in more than 50 countries, yet he remained most proud of the relationships he built with our suppliers and customers”.

It added that the “Rose family and the Derek Rose team are committed to honouring Derek’s legacy.  We will continue to uphold the values he lived by — quality without compromise, respect for craft, and a genuine care for the people who make and wear our garments”.