Kangol, a brand synonymous with headwear innovation, has journeyed through decades of cultural evolution—from its British origins in 1938 to becoming a global street fashion staple. Worn by icons ranging from The Beatles to hip-hop legends and modern-day influencers, Kangol continues to redefine style while staying true to its heritage. With its recent expansion into the Middle East through a distribution partnership with Collaborate! Sport + Style, Kangol is set to make waves in a region known for its fashion-forward consumers.
In this exclusive interview, Chris Barnett, Global Marketing Director for Kangol® and Sunny Singh, Managing Director for Collaborate! Sport+Style, shares insights into Kangol’s journey, recent milestones, challenges, and its future outlook in the Middle East and beyond.
Tell us a little about Kangol’s journey globally. How has it been so far?
Chris: Kangol is one of the world’s most recognized and beloved headwear brands, with a heritage dating back to 1938 in the UK. Over the years, it has evolved into a cultural symbol, embraced by style icons across generations. While our seasonal collections continue to innovate, our classic styles remain favorites, appealing to diverse tastes. Kangol is a fusion of British heritage, hip-hop culture, and cutting-edge street fashion, making it a truly timeless brand.
What are the major business milestones that the company has achieved over the past 12-24 months?
Chris: A major milestone for us was Bollman Hat Company acquiring majority ownership of Kangol LLC from UK-based Frasers Group. This has allowed us to establish a unified vision for growth, elevating Kangol as a premium global brand and expanding beyond headwear into additional product categories.
What challenges have you faced in the past 2-3 years, and what key learnings have helped the brand grow?
Chris: Like many brands, we have navigated supply chain disruptions, margin pressures, and fluctuating consumer demand. To adapt, we have diversified our sourcing, balanced wholesale with direct-to-consumer (DTC) models, and leveraged data-driven planning to optimize inventory and forecasting.
What recent innovations has Kangol undertaken in digital transformation, human resources, and sustainability?
Chris: As America’s oldest hat manufacturer, Bollman Hat Company prioritizes quality craftsmanship and responsible production. As an employee-owned company, our team is deeply invested in our success. Sustainability remains central to our brand, with eco-friendly materials and innovative fabric blends integrated into our collections.
On the digital front, we have streamlined our product presentation and ordering processes through digital applications while enhancing global marketing efforts with advanced tools and technologies.
Fast forward to 2025—what is the future outlook for Kangol?
Sunny: We are building a more unified and strategic brand presence globally, expanding into new markets, including the Middle East, and diversifying our product categories. As we introduce our extensive range of headwear to new customers, we aim to establish Kangol as a premium lifestyle brand. Our customers and our people are at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s comfort, style, or self-expression, we strive to offer products that are both desirable and aspirational. We are committed to positioning Kangol as an elevated and globally recognized lifestyle brand.
are expanding in this region with your distribution partnership with Collaborate! Sport + Style. How has it been so far?
Sunny: We are excited about our partnership and the opportunities in the Middle East, a region rapidly emerging as a global fashion hub. Our launch at Sole DXB, the region’s premier music and culture festival, received an overwhelmingly positive response. As we gear up for our Spring/Summer 2025 collection, we look forward to establishing a strong retail presence.
Any special offerings or pricing tailored for the Middle Eastern market?
Sunny: For the first time, consumers in the region will have access to an extensive range of expertly crafted headwear styles, catering to a variety of fashion tastes. Our collection includes timeless classics and contemporary designs, all embraced by celebrities and style icons globally.
What are Kangol’s strategic plans for the region?
Sunny: Kangol is positioned as an affordable premium brand, making it ideal for leading multi-brand retailers, department stores, and select streetwear boutiques. Our initial focus is on the UAE, followed by expansion into other key markets in the region. Additionally, we will engage with influential figures from the worlds of music, sports, and entertainment to enhance brand awareness and deepen customer engagement.
With a strong legacy and an ambitious future, Kangol is set to continue shaping global headwear trends while making a lasting impact in the Middle Eastern market. As it expands its presence, the brand’s core values—heritage, innovation, and cultural influence—remain at the forefront of its journey.
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