Our Story
We’re Rodney and Jennifer, a husband-and-wife team from Kent. Between us, we’ve spent our working lives in IT and nursing, two very different worlds, yet both grounded in care, precision, and dedication. Outside of work, we’ve always shared a deep appreciation for quality fabrics, timeless design, and the simple pleasure of discovering something beautifully made.
Weekends were often spent browsing shops, seeking inspiration and indulging that passion.
From an early age, clothing held a certain fascination. I remember poring over catalogues as a child, captivated by the elegance and detail of each piece. Those memories stayed with me: the crisp scent of my father’s new white Jaguar, the sharp lines of his tailored suits, the softness of silk socks. It was more than clothing; it was a feeling, an identity, a quiet luxury.
By my early twenties, I knew I wanted to create something of my own, a clothing brand that reflected those same values. I would walk the high streets for hours, studying shop windows, imagining what I would do differently, and quietly shaping a dream that never quite left me.
Then I met Jennifer, now my wife, my partner, and my greatest supporter. Together, we built a life: raising children, navigating financial challenges, and growing stronger through it all.
Through every stage, one thing remained constant: we shared the same dream of creating something of our own one day.
After more than 30 years in our respective careers, a chapter that has been both rewarding and fulfilling, we found ourselves ready for something new.
Our children are grown (though not quite flown!), and for the first time, we could truly focus on building something for us.
Like many, after a long day’s work, we’d come home and change into something comfortable. But we began to notice that comfort was often an afterthought in clothing. We wanted more. We wanted to create pieces that felt as good as they looked, garments you genuinely looked forward to wearing. That unmistakable feeling of slipping into a freshly made cotton bed became our benchmark: softness, ease, and quiet comfort.
Much of our inspiration comes from the life we’ve built together, time spent outdoors, evenings in the garden by the fire, and the changing rhythm of the British seasons. It’s in those moments of warmth, laughter, and simplicity that our ideas truly take shape.
This is more than clothing. It’s a reflection of our journey, our values, and our belief that comfort and quality should never be compromised.
Welcome To Nine Seventeen
ps. We must forget Dave, our dog, who also loves comfort
Intentional design
Everything we do starts with why
Made with care
We believe in building better
A team with a goal
Real people making great products