Dan Kallos, the founder and creative director of Mantle 2020, embarked on a unique journey into the world of fashion from an unexpected starting point. While working in the buying department at ASOS in 2019, Kallos played a pivotal role in designing a collection that soared to success, igniting the spark to launch his own brand. Despite holding a background in psychology and a master’s in fashion management rather than formal design training, his extensive experience in PR, styling, retail, and buying—gained at prestigious companies like Dunhill and Harvey Nichols—gave him the tools and insights needed to carve out his own niche. It wasn’t until relocating to Glasgow to be with his wife that the idea of Mantle 2020 truly took shape. Immersed in the luxury retail world while working at END Clothing, Kallos became captivated by the idea of "quiet luxury," drawing inspiration from brands like Fear of God and John Elliott. His vision for Mantle 2020 was clear: a brand that offered cohesive capsule wardrobes, each piece designed to be timeless, high-quality, and crafted in the UK. After four years of meticulous planning, Mantle 2020 was officially launched in May 2023. Since then, the brand has been featured in Vogue and Vanity Fair and has found its place in Wolf & Badger stores, both online and in New York. Kallos, who recently showcased at London Fashion Week on September 14th, as part of the Oxford Fashion Studios production, is quickly emerging as a founder that not only delivers luxury but also paves the way for fresh talent outside the traditional London fashion scene.
Dan Kallos, founder and creative director of Mantle 2020, is redefining modern fashion by focusing on timeless, understated luxury. Unlike many designers, Kallos aims to create looks rather than individual pieces, carefully crafting capsule collections that seamlessly blend together across seasons. "Everything I design is meant to be worn together," Kallos explains. "Each collection references the previous ones, allowing you to mix and match wardrobes from different releases." His vision is simple yet profound: fashion that remains relevant for decades, with each piece designed for longevity rather than fleeting trends.
The idea for Mantle 2020 first took shape during Kallos' time in the buying department at ASOS. While working on a successful collection for another brand, he realised that he could create something of his own. Although Kallos holds a background in psychology and a master’s degree in fashion management, his extensive experience in PR, styling, retail, and buying at companies like Dunhill and Harvey Nichols laid the foundation for his journey into fashion design.
Inspired by the concept of "quiet luxury"—a style defined by quality materials, impeccable fit, and a minimalist aesthetic—Kallos envisions Mantle 2020 as a brand that offers complete wardrobes rather than individual statement pieces. “Quiet luxury is the only trend I really vibe with,” he notes. “No logos, no loud prints—just a focus on fit, material, and the drape of a garment.” His inspirations include Fear of God’s Jerry Lorenzo and John Elliott, both of whom share his passion for understated design.
Kallos chose the name Mantle for its historical and symbolic meaning. “A mantle is a garment that royalty used to pass down through generations, symbolising something timeless. It also represents your pride and joy, the piece you display on your mantelpiece,” he explains. Though he initially aimed to launch the brand in 2020, the process took longer than expected, with Mantle 2020 officially debuting in May 2023. Despite the delay, Kallos emphasises that rushing the creative process was never an option. “I’m not the kind of designer who puts something out unless it’s 100% perfect.”
Beyond his designs, fashion serves as a personal outlet for Kallos. “I’m quite a reserved person, and fashion allows me to express myself without saying anything,” he reflects. This same philosophy drives his brand—clothing as a medium for self-expression that instils confidence and comfort in the wearer, which, in Kallos’ eyes, is the ultimate luxury.
While Mantle 2020 is rooted in timeless design, Kallos is quick to acknowledge his inspirations. He cites Kanye West's Yeezy Season 1 runway show as a defining moment, a collection that embraced muted tones and logo-free designs, which proved that fashion could speak volumes without being loud. Another key influence was Fear of God’s collaboration with Zegna, a partnership that blended tailoring and streetwear in unexpected ways. “You can see how both brands influenced each other,” Kallos notes. “That blend is something I really admire.”
Mantle 2020 has already made significant strides, with features in Vogue and Vanity Fair and a presence in Wolf & Badger’s New York store. As Kallos prepares to showcase his designs at London Fashion Week, his ultimate goal remains clear: to create a global brand that continues to grow while staying true to its ethos of timeless luxury.
What’s next for Mantle 2020? Kallos hopes to expand his retail presence and see his designs in stores worldwide. For him, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing someone, whether a footballer or a stranger on the street, wearing his pieces. "Every time I see someone in my designs, it’s a pinch-me moment,” Kallos says. His journey is far from over, and Mantle 2020 is well on its way to becoming a staple in the world of quiet, understated luxury.
