Universal Works was founded in 2009 by David Keyte, who launched the label's first collection working from his own kitchen table. Keyte drew on a working-class Midlands upbringing surrounded by workwear, a stint as a sign-writer's apprentice, and three decades in the fashion industry at houses including Paul Smith and Maharishi. After starting out with ten retailers, the label is now stocked from Los Angeles to Seoul, with its head office in Nottingham and stores in London's Berwick Street and Coal Drops Yard.