Chairman of British designer menswear company Hackett London
Jeremy Hackett is a man who knows style, and after spending the seventies working in a Savile Row tailors, he founded his eponymous shop, which grew from a second-hand outfitter to the classic British brand we know today. For some people, Jeremy Hackett is the Ralph Lauren of the UK, but the story of his brand Hackett runs far deeper than their mutual appreciation of classic style.
In the early eighties, Jeremy Hackett went on a trip to Paris where he met a dealer at the Clignancourt flea market selling quintessential British second hand clothing such as Aquascutum, Burberry, Savile Row suits, and tweed jackets. The dealer travelled to London on a weekly basis to scout for products, and since he was tired of his flea market journeys, he asked Jeremy Hackett to do this work for him. After about a year of indirectly providing the Parisian with used high quality clothing, he decided to do the same thing in London under his own name. As such, he partnered with Ashley Lloyd-Jennings in 1983 to open the very first Hackett second hand store on London’s Kings Road. Lloyd Jennings left Hackett in 1999 to work at Dunhill, leaving Jeremy growing the brand. From here there were collaborations with Rugby and Polo players, rowing teams and Aston Martin, a strong following including the future King of England, Prince William, and even the Mr Classic blog to keep in touch with customers through modern means.
We chat to the founder and chairman about how despite launching the label more than 30 years ago he understands the importance of the modern shoppers needs, together with learning his top style secrets.
From where do you tend to draw inspiration for your collections?
Inspiration comes from many sources. As a British brand, we are always keen to highlight the British lifestyle, especially because in Britain we are fortunate to have many social occasions to dress for. We partner with several iconic British brands, such as Aston Martin, British Army Polo, British Polo Day, London Rowing Club and William’s motor racing, so are never short of ideas to refresh the ongoing collections.
What inspires you outside of fashion?
I am inspired by photography for which I have a passion. This can range from art and architecture, in both a contemporary or classical form. Movies are another source of inspiration, with ‘North by Northwest’ being a favourite of mine.
Who is your ideal Hackett customer?
Anyone who has made the decision to walk through our doors is a valued customer.
Which individual, past or present, would you most like to dress?
From the past, the movie stars Cary Grant and Steve McQueen, and in the present it would be the actor Bill Nighy.
Who in fashion do you most admire and why?
I have always been drawn to the Japanese brand Comme des Garçons. Whilst some of their creations are a bit too much for me, within their collections are many pieces that have a fresh take on the classics, and I like the fact that they have fun with their clothes.
How have you found the changes over the past decades in the fast-moving world of fashion?
It may be that I am getting older, but the pace of fashion appears to be increasingly faster. However, it is almost always the case that you can predict that what was extremely fashionable for one decade, will be the complete opposite the following decade. So, in that respect very little changes.
Do you appreciate the changes that technology has made in fashion?
On the whole, technology has been good for fashion as it has made people across the globe much more aware, but the adverse effect is that people’s attention spans have become much shorter. Seeing catwalk shows as soon as they have appeared can mean they lose their lustre almost immediately, making it increasingly stressful for designers to create new lines to feed an increasingly hungry Internet market.
Are you a keen user of social media?
The only social media I use is Instagram, purely because I like to take photographs. I am always intrigued and sometimes surprised about what people like. My dogs are a favourite.
What has been the best-selling product you have worked on?
It’s probably the Hackett polo shirt that I introduced in 1986 and is still hugely popular today.
What has been your proudest achievement?
Creating a brand from scratch, I can barely believe it.
What advice would you give to other young people with the same aspirations that you had 30 years ago?
When I started Hackett I believed in what I was doing and maintained a strong point of view. Both factors are important, but also good financial management is necessary for long term success.
What do you consider your best attribute?
Understanding the customer.
What is your most prized possession?
Well, I would not call them possessions, but my Sussex Spaniels Muffin and Harry.
What are your style essentials?
Pretty much anything in navy-blue and good shoes.
What is something every modern-day man should possess?
Modern day or otherwise, every man should own a navy-blue blazer of some description.
If you could give one piece of sartorial advice to gentlemen everywhere, what would it be?
Keep it simple.
By Eliza Scarborough
