Upcycling fashion since 1965

The 1960s was a period unprecedented fashion revolution, and part of that revolution started in our shops.

I Was Lord Kitchener’s Valet was instrumental in bringing the retro clothing revolution to prominence, thus kickstarting a 60s pop culture’s fascination with nostalgia. We began by selling old army uniforms in our shop on Portobello Road. Demand quickly led us to expand our range and we started to modify and adapt existing garments, adding velvet colours to old police capes, and making men’s shirts from old union jack flags. The popularity of these clothes had an immediate impact. 

By the time The Beatles performed their legendary Shea Stadium concert wearing military jackets our look went global, and so did we. Our next stop was a trip to India and Afghanistan to source new looks, buying up kaftans and Afghan coats which were introduced to the London fashion scene upon our return. Their influence on fashion and popular culture was immediate and again our little shops were the epicentre of the swinging sixties.

And we are proud to continue this tradition today. We’re still sourcing the best authentic military jackets for our Portobello Originals clothing range, with each jacket hand selected by our founders John Paul and Robert Orbach just as they did for Mick Jagger and Jimi Hendrix 50 years ago. Additionally, we are committed to have the lowest possible environmental impact on the planet; whether it’s using recycled materials and packaging, using electric or hybrid vehicles for distribution, or reducing our warehousing by focusing on limited collections and a just-in-time distribution programme.