Munster & Morston: Meet the Durham graduates re-imagining Black tie fashion
This is the most Durham thing I have ever seen and I absolutely love it
You’ve all seen it flooded over Instagram in the past two weeks, and it is finally about to drop. 7:00pm tonight marks the official launch of Munster & Morston, a fashion brand crafted and created by three recent Durham graduates. It might be the most Durham thing I have ever seen, and I am absolutely in love with it. There is a timeless elegance and undeniable sense of charm injected into their brand and products, with their material being perfect attire for ball season in the upcoming year.
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Who are Munster & Morston, and what is their connection to Durham?
Munster & Morston burst onto the scene with a trailer video on Instagram, released on Monday 2nd September. In the fortnight since, they have already racked up 150,000 views, with 1,250 likes on the original trailer, demonstrating that Munster & Morston have already reached far beyond the Durham bubble. The trailer video also features some Durham alumni modelling Munster & Morston’s inaugural clothing line.
All three founders graduated from St. Hild & St. Bede in 2023, having studied geography, ancient history and business management. Henry Morris, one of Munster & Morston’s founders told The Tab: “At Durham there are some truly exceptional people with abilities spanning all sorts of different areas.
“We all learnt so much from the friends we made there, and a lot of what we are trying to achieve as a brand stems from that Durham experience.
“We actually came up with the idea after a weekend at a friend’s 21st. When we moved into our flat on Munster Road in Fulham, we decided, why not, let’s do it”.
What can we expect to see at today’s fashion launch, and what could change in the future?
“We will launch Monday evening, 7pm on the dot.
“Expect to see some of our biggest pieces of content drop, alongside our website go-live where you will be able to get your hands on some of our first shirt designs.
“We have limited stock, but we will be restocking soon after launch, as well as bringing through some new designs.
“We currently have three unique designs, and have more in the works.
“Our current mission is to reimagine black tie. Why go to a black tie event in a boring, “same old” white dress shirt when you could inject a bit of fun and personality into your outfit with a Munster & Morston shirt.
“Moving into next summer, we will be launching a new range of linen and Oxford shirts. With the aim of making Munster Morston the go to place for men’s shirts”.
Vision, identity and trying something new
I make no claim to be a fashionista – but there is certainly something quite special and unique about this brand, and it is also lovely to see Durham alumni follow their dreams and channel their energy into creative passions rather than following an entirely conventional route.
John Bonas, one of the three founders, summarised Munster & Morston’s creation and vision, saying: “Our shirts aren’t dictated by fleeting trends. Instead, we focus on designs that stand the test of time, becoming old favourites with each wear.
“I think the barriers to starting a business have never been so low.
“There are so many fantastic little businesses popping up all over the place, especially in fashion.
“We are in a new age of digital business, where you can run something from your phone, and operate 24/7.
“Come up with an idea, take a risk, and go for it”.
Featured images via Munster & Morston