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Denis A Fleri was born in 1950 and registered his first brand ‘Michael Ross’ in 1979. Fleri trained in Hand Knitting machines from The Shetland Islands and as a consequence, Fair Isle design and pattern colouring became his passion; he uses up to 11 colours throughout his designs.

1982 Denis set up a factory in Hayes, Middlesex, whilst recruiting and training factory and home knitters. Exhibiting twice a year at the major fashion shows in Paris, Cologne, Milan, Florence, Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles and Toronto, Denis was introduced to the Designers’ Collective by Paul Smith and Paul Costelloe - Denis being one of the only three British designers showing at that time. 1983 worked with Van Heusen in New Jersey to create a collection for top US retailer, JC Penny. 1984 The first Indigo knitwear collection was created in the factory in Hayes - this was the birth of the brand Original Blues.

1986 Denis was invited to work with Levi’s and move to Belgium, but this offer was turned down. Denis wanted to concentrate on growing his own clothing business. Fleri is renowned for his iconic and flamboyant exhibition stands, entry by appointment only. Stand out exhibition spaces include a Pickwick House that was pre-constructed and shipped over by lorry, accompanied by staff for the duration of the show.

The Michael Ross brand became a household name in Belgium and Italy, with Japan and the USA also being popular markets for the brand.

1992 Fleri received The Queen’s Award for Export for his Michael Ross brand.

A royal visit was made to the factory that coincided with the installation of Bentley Cotton’s fully fashioned knitting machines – this was the first time such machines had been installed in a factory so far south in the UK. A combination of 16-20 Protti knitting machines and a workforce of 250, including home workers, produced hand framed Fair Isles. Fleri’s mission was to offer the largest selection of Fair Isle designs and colourways. Business was booming, with Fleri supplying most of the department stores around the world including prestige stores such as Bouvy, Cowel and de Jardin (Belgium), Old England (France), Mitsukoshi, Isetan and Brookes Brothers (Japan), Paul Stuart (Paris and Japan), Principe – Florence, Duca D’Aosta – Venice (Italy), Brookes Brothers, Bullock and Jones, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Paul Stuart (USA).

Tokyo Cross offered Fleri a license deal for his Michael Ross brand for a period of 5 years.

The licence agreement included clothing such as jackets, trousers, shirts and caps for spring and winter for two seasons each year. Fleri submitted ideas and original products as and when required, also promoting the new partnership in Japan by attending Tokyo Cross exhibitions for the launch, alongside delivering press conferences to the Japanese media (as per photos below).

Fleri worked with various prestigious brands on knitwear collections including Paolo Gucci, Bella Freud, Paul Costelloe, Dunhill, Dries van Noten, Hackett (London), Laura Ashley (before her tragic death), Kenzo (Paris) and M&S.

Fleri had four of his own stores in Knightsbridge, Richmond, Bath and Kingston, with a concession in Liberty (London).

2021 House of Gucci movie. The Fair Isle ‘Harvest’, from the Michael Ross brand was chosen to be worn by Adam Driver in this iconic film.