JOHN SMEDLEY x British Actor Bill Nighy Limited Collection Season 2 Launches May 15 | An Unwavering Partnership Woven Through Half a Century

In December 2025, JOHN SMEDLEY announced the 'JOHN SMEDLEY x Bill Nighy' collaboration collection with British actor Bill Nighy, a representative British icon and a true aficionado of the brand.

Bill Nighy, who has cherished the brand for nearly 60 years since he was 17, participated as a creative partner infused with his longstanding passion, reinterpreting classic materials like wool and cashmere through his own sensibilities. A special capsule collection was born, resonating with the brand's heritage and Nighy's individuality.

Following a massive global response, we are now announcing the second collection titled 'Season 2', which adds new colors for 2026. In Japan, it will be released exclusively at four stores: JOHN SMEDLEY Ginza, Nagoya, Osaka, and the official online shop.

Collection Concept Handwritten by Bill Nighy: 'STAY MODERN'

JOHN SMEDLEY x Bill Nighy

While paying homage to the 1940s style of Bill Nighy's father, the 'JOHN SMEDLEY x Bill Nighy' capsule collection incorporates modern sensibilities to offer a refined lineup that can be worn unisex, regardless of gender.

It features large collars, three-dimensional ribbing at the cuffs and hem, and subtle yet striking tailoring. The color palette is rich and highly versatile, with a deep navy taking the lead role. This is JOHN SMEDLEY's brand color, as well as Bill Nighy's favorite color, embodying the collection's understated and elegant worldview.

The silhouette is a shorter, boxy unisex fit. The details deeply reflect Nighy's personal life and his essence as an actor.

All collection items are made in the UK. Finished fully fashioned (knitted to shape), they are designed to be loved for a long time. They use 'Extra Fine Merino Wool', one of JOHN SMEDLEY's signature premium natural materials, produced in a responsible and sustainable manner.

The message 'STAY MODERN' is engraved on the item tags.

Furthermore, an embroidery motif based on bird illustrations he has drawn in the corners of his scripts while memorizing lines is subtly placed on the back of each item.

Bird illustrations he has continued to draw on the scripts of all the works he has participated in so far. Each has been given a name. Left) George Right) Pete

This collaboration was not dictated by trends but was shaped by the shared values of the brand and Bill Nighy: 'being loved for a long time', 'craftsmanship', and 'understated, refined style'.

It is a one-of-a-kind capsule collection uniquely JOHN SMEDLEY, crafted by Bill Nighy.

from Bill Nighy

'If someone had told me when I was 17 that I would be making a collection with John Smedley, I think I would have lived my life a little brighter.

From the 60s into the 70s, I loved wearing John Smedley polo shirts. In an era when silk shirts unbuttoned to the third button or tie-dye t-shirts scented with patchouli were all the rage, it was a 'frontline' choice to daringly resist that. In a way, we were pioneers.

As the years passed and mods transformed into modernism, John Smedley remained an indispensable presence in my wardrobe. Even if I achieved nothing else in my life, this collaboration remains. That alone is enough.

Unleash your mind, and enjoy the joy and escapism.'

--Bill Nighy

from JOHN SMEDLEY

'Working with Bill was a precious time of learning about thoughtful design. From fabric selection to adjusting silhouettes, every decision had an intention, and his deep affection for the brand was felt throughout. We are proud to have been able to shape this special collection together.

We hope that these pieces will become a part of John Smedley's new heritage and will be passed down in the wardrobes of many people for a long time to come.'

--Jess McGuire-Dudley
(Managing Director, John Smedley)

SPECIAL MOVIE

The director of this video work is film director Mary Nighy ('Alice, Darling'), Bill Nighy's daughter. This marks their first parent-child collaboration.

The producer is Sonya Sear ('Don vs Lightning'), and cinematography by Mathias Nyberg ('The Girlfr...