was later adapted with the addition of various leaves and thistles in 2011. Beginning in the early 1960s, Crombie coats were fashionable among mods, who saw them as a stylish item of clothing that enhanced their clean-cut image. It was an alternative to the popular fishtail parka or trenchcoat. As the 1960s wore on, and into the early 1970s, Crombie-style coats were popular within the skinhead and suedehead subcultures. In the 1980s the company was purchased and became privately owned. Crombie has long appealed to international statesmen and royalty. Crombie lists King George VI, Winston Churchill, Cary Grant, Dwight D Eisenhower and John F Kennedy among its historic customers. Alongside this list of patrons, actor Jack Nicholson wore several styles of Crombie coat in his role as The Joker in the 1989 film, Batman. In 1990, production at the Grandholm Mill ceased, and was moved to other mills in Scotland and England. (The A-listed Grandholm factory site was converted into a residential project in 2005. ) From 1995 to 2004, Crombie also held the royal warrant as a supplier to the Prince of Wales. In 2014 it was announced the new Twelfth Doctor, as played by Peter Capaldi, would wear a Crombie with a red lining. Such was the success of Capaldi's role as Doctor Who, Crombie saw an increase in sales by 100%. The Crombie style incorporated a heavy, dark, woollen, knee-length overcoat paired with a red, silk, handkerchief in the upper pocket. In 1996 designer William Johnston Ewart, inspired by the deep tones of the iconic Crombie Overcoating Range, created tartan which was placed on the Scottish Register of Tartans for the Crombie House Check. Crombie previously had retail stores in London, Manchester and Edinburgh, was sold through independent retailers, such as Harrods and department stores in North America, Europe and East Asia. Crombie also sold worldwide via its website. At the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic, on 29 April 2020, Crombie gave notice via its social media channels that their online store would be closing. Subsequently, on 16 May 2020, Crombie shared a press release stating they had suspended operations until further notice. A message was placed on their website as a holding page to mirror this announcement. In March 2022 it was announced that Crombie is under new ownership. Crombie 1805 acquired the business and the trademarks of J. & J. Crombie Ltd. References External links