John Smedley will always be in vogue

Tim Heavisides recalls his fondness for the historic fashion firm and his enduring attachment to a black jumper

Re your report (Fashion and tradition: how John Smedley is innovating in a tough market, 1 November), I was fortunate to grow up with a mum who was interested in good quality clothes and fashion, and who, when I was 17, bought me a black rollneck top. Think Roger Moore. Think Illya Kuryakin (The Man from U.N.C.L.E.). Think of me in the lower sixth at a rural grammar school in Wiltshire, who missed going to the Bath blues festival at Shepton Mallet in 1970. I also missed the Isle of Wight ferry once.

I recall going on a school trip to see the film Kanał by the Polish director Andrzej Wajda. There were girls on the coach from the girls’ high school. Shock horror. What should I wear? My black polo top, of course. It would be perfect with my tweed sports jacket. And then Mum uttered those immortal words: “It’s made by John Smedley. You can wear it with anything.”

She was right. She had good taste and she wanted me to have good taste. So thanks, Mum, and thanks John Smedley (and Bill Nighy). Tim Heavisides Church Stretton, Shropshire