Daks
Sankyo Seiko · United Kingdom
DAKS is a British luxury fashion house founded in 1894 by Simeon Simpson, known for tailoring, its house check and a Royal Warrant to King Charles III. Wikipedia reports that Japanese company Sankyo Seiko has owned the business since 1991.
| Founded | 1894 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Simeon Simpson |
| Owner | Sankyo Seiko (per Wikipedia) |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Segment | Luxury and designer houses |
| Royal Warrant | King Charles III |
| Website | daks.com |
What is DAKS?
DAKS is a British fashion house that describes itself as luxury fashion for men and women since 1894. It was founded in the City of London by Simeon Simpson, then aged 16, who started a bespoke tailoring business in East London. The brand's current website calls its creative identity British heritage and European modernism.
History
The DAKS name was introduced in 1935 for self-supporting trousers and was later extended to suits. In 1936 Simpsons of Piccadilly opened, founded by Simeon's son Alexander Simpson, and the store was the brand's original home. During the Second World War the company produced military uniforms for officers, and in 1948 it built a factory at Larkhall in Scotland, which closed in the early 2000s.
DAKS received royal warrants in 1956, 1962 and 1982 from Prince Philip, the Queen and the Prince of Wales. The brand developed its house check in 1976. In 1999 it moved to a flagship on Old Bond Street, and the original Piccadilly store was sold to Waterstone's.
Business model and distribution
Wikipedia reports that the brand is exported to 30 countries and sold through more than 2,000 specialist shops, major stores and concessions, though that figure is undated. The official site refers to stores worldwide, in-store alterations and tailoring services, and states that the brand holds a Royal Warrant to King Charles III.
Ownership
According to Wikipedia, Sankyo Seiko Co. Limited has owned the company, then known as DAKS Simpson Group, since 1991, although the article also places the dropping of the Simpson name around the turn of the century. Leadership details such as the current creative director could not be verified for 2026 and are not stated here.
Why it matters
DAKS is one of the longest running British menswear and womenswear houses, and its self-supporting trouser and house check remain central to its identity.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns DAKS?
Wikipedia reports that Sankyo Seiko Co. Limited of Japan has owned DAKS since 1991. Readers should check recent company filings, as no 2026 ownership update was confirmed.
Where is DAKS from?
DAKS is a British brand founded in London in 1894. It began as a bespoke tailoring business in East London and became known through the Simpson store in Piccadilly.