Jeremy Hackett is a name which has become synonymous with British Style and the best of British tailoring. After set up his Business in 1983 with the first store bearing the Hackett name, on the Kings Road. Selling vintage men’s clothes and accessories, discovered in house clearances and antique markets, Hackett soon gained cult status amongst London’s sartorially inclined. Word quickly spread abroad and soon Americans and Japanese, as well as French, Italians and other Europeans, were making the journey to the “wrong end” of the King’s Road in search of “le style Anglais”. It soon became apparent, however, that market demand would always exceed the supply of vintage men’s clothes and accessories, so Hackett and decided that the answer was to reproduce new clothes made from natural fibres in traditional English styles.

Today, Hackett has continued its expansion with Galeries Lafayette in Paris being added to the prestigious list of department stores alongside Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Hackett franchises have opened stores in Geneva, Zurich, Kuwait City, Johannesburg Airport, Cape Town, Amsterdam, Pozuelo (Madrid), Knokke (Belgium), Brussels, Delhi, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Shanghai, Shenyang and Kuala Lumpur.

As well as the development of the stores’ look and feel, the Hackett clothing and accessories collections were refreshed by taking inspiration from the early DNA of the brand and the new slogan “Essential British Kit”. Key additions to the collection included the “Hackett Mayfair”, “Aston Martin Racing” and “Little Britons” ranges.

The Hackett Mayfair collection embodies the lifestyle of the late 1950s and early 1960s gentleman. Inspired by the iconic photography of Bailey, O’Neill, Donovan and Duffy, the signature streamlined tailoring takes London’s legendary Savile Row as its starting point. What began as a single suit has now evolved into a full range of formalwear and gentlemen’s club-style accessories: all presented under its own exclusive Hackett Mayfair logo of bowler hat and crossed umbrellas.

2012 proved to be a very successful year for Hackett. In June 2012, Hackett was one of the pioneers of the British Fashion Council’s new men’s fashion week – London Collections:Men. Launched to showcase the UK’s wealth of menswear talent, the Hackett London collection was successfully premiered to international buyers and press. Now in its fifth season, the Hackett show is one of the most anticipated during the biannual event and an established fixture on the LC:M schedule.

For it’s Autumn 2014 show Hackett experienced perfect serendipity, the right location, at the right time, with the right collection. It celebrated the age of stylish travel, a global traveller, the collection styled the different characters of ‘The Leading Man’ on his global travels.

In our exclusive insight Jeremy he describes his Spring/Summer 2015 collection as, “We are well recognised for our sporting sponsorships so we have built the collection around Spectator Kit, what to wear for instance to the polo or Henley or to watch Aston Martin Racing or what would be perfect to wear to a tennis tournament ( coincidentally I am writing this between watching the tennis at Queens our latest sponsorship )”. Anyway enough of me.

If you could have invented anything what would it be ?
Although I am not personally on Facebook I wouldn’t have minded inventing it.

If you had one day to live what would be your biggest regret ?
That I never learnt any foreign languages, to be honest I still struggle with English.

Favourite hotel in the world ?
Over the years I have been to New York quite regularly and I stay at The Carlyle where the service is perfect and the cocktail bar even better.

If you could collaborate with one brand who would it be and why ?
I really like watches because it is one of the few accessories men can wear so I would like the opportunity to collaborate with say, IWC. The Mark 15 Pilots watch was the first that I owned.

If you could give your teenage self advice, what would it be ?
Believe in yourself because if you don’t why should others. Also have a good financial partner.

How did you get into the industry, what was your big break ?
My father once said to me ” If you don’t pull your socks up you will end up working in a shop”. Fortunately that is exactly what happened. Clothes at the time were one of the few things that I had an aptitude for. When I opened Hackett in 1983 it was more as a bit of fun and a way to sell some second hand kit, and when I started to make new clothes it was the birth of the brand and I haven’t looked back since.

If you could only wear one brand/Designer for the rest of your life who would it be ?
Being able to have my clothes made by a good tailor would be my ideal as I could determine the outcome.

Who is your style icon ?
David Hockney who dresses as well as he paints.

What piece of clothing should everyman have in his wardrobe ?
At the risk of repeating myself I would consider the navy blazer to be a vital part of any man’s wardrobe. It can be dressed up or down.

Who would do you ideal diner guests and why ?
Stephen Fry, he is so engaging and would make any dinner party swing and the fact that we dress him for the BAFTA’s is by the way. Sorry that’s it,back to the tennis.

HACKETT MAYFAIR COLLECTION FOR AUTUMN 2014

The wise scholar, and sometime fashion raconteur, Mr Kanye West OBE, once said, ” Work it harder, make it better,
do it faster, makes us stronger”. Which sums up the latest instalment of London Collections:Men for Spring/Summer 2015, I know Summer 2014 has barely shown us it’s beautiful face and I’m talking about 2015, well that’s Fashion for ya. Anyway, we are back in London and it’s a packed schedule from YMC to KTZ to DKNY, this gives Anthony very little TLC and it’s down to work. We give you the best overview, of what is becoming THE Fashion eventing the calendar. With international name like MOSCHINO, Tiger of Sweden and of course DKNY throwing that very sartorial hat into the ring, London’s becoming a Cosmopolitan hotbed of talent.

However, first up we have, the irrepressible but more importantly lovely Lou Dalton. For this season Ms Dalton has taken a bit of a risky change in direction, but boy did it pay off ! We saw a more mature, confident and stylish collection. The tailoring, Sportwear fusion was still present but everything felt, tighter (not physical), sharper and generally more impressive. Keep up the good work Dalton A*.

Next up, the first of many zig zagging around the capital, to Kent and Curwen, the second season for the brand to be showing as part of LC:M. It has come a long way since launching as a modest collection of ties and cricket sweaters and has grown into one of the most sought after sporting brands in the country. The Brand further fused their take on English dress codes with that juxtaposition of graphic patterns, which mixed with their casting gave a feeling of David Bowie’s thin white Duke.

Hardy Amies, (above) like its Savile Row neighbour, Gieves & Hawkes (below) showed a blinder of a Masterclass in Great British Tailoring, cool, contemporary but above all wearable. Exquisite ! Plus with the likes of Richard James, E.Tautz and Hackett. It doesn’t take a genius to see why the UK, and London has regained it’s crown for being THE destination for suiting.

From some of the oldest names in British style to one of the more newer ones in, Christopher Raeburn, who gave his very unique take on Military. Working with a traditional regimental colour palette, Raeburn worked in Fighter jets and missile prints and showed he improves and builds season upon season.

Not only was Jonathan Saunders showing us his signature collection but in the exhibition space we saw his GREAT Second season collaboration with Lyle & Scott, which was based on the Shane Meadow’s film of the Stone Roses Reunion, Made of Stone. Additionally to this they also showed their other sterling collaborative effort with Universal Works. Plus to Cap off the collaboration craziness area was the BEAUITFUL range by Barbour X White Mountaineering, (above) one to definitely keep an eye out for.

Oliver Spencer, continues with his successful formula of producing wearable, timeless, pieces that form part an impeccable wardrobe. Last season we had Idris Elba providing the entertainment on the decks. This season Olie followed suit and as the eyes of the world focuses of Brazil he had the UK’s foremost Brazilian percussion group supply the entertainment, complete with Carnival dancing girls ! Somewhat a highlight of the day.

Yes you read that right folks, this Sunday, yes, this Sunday is Father’s Day, the day when the hardest working member of the family, sorry what, well its the case in the McG household ! gets to relax, put his feet up and everyone runs round and looks after him for a change.

As always we’ve done all the hard work so you can still look super diligent on Sunday when you pull the best present out of the bag for your old man and look confidently smug with yourself while the rest of the family can only look on with fake pleasure and make a guess at, How does he do it ? envy.

Once again the wonderful retail emporium of Marks & Spencer have worked in association with us to produce the ultimate in gifting for your beloved Pop. We’ve broken it down this year into categories to cater for every Dad’s taste whether he be a Sporty dad or even a Posh Dad, we’ve got all points covered. So Chocs aways !

FOODIE DAD

Ahh what Dad could resist the culinary Jedi knight that is Nigel Slatter, the man that can turn the contents of an empty fridge into the feast suitable for the feeding of the 5000 and if that wasn’t enough over 300 recipes listed in chronological order so a night, can’t literally go by without a seasonally splendid dish.

JET SET DAD

If yours is a dad who spends more time Jett setting than Richard Branson, get him this brilliant travelling gadget from Mulberry. A chic leather pouch reveals the adapter, compatible with plug sockets in the UK, US, Australia, China and Europe. There is also a USB connection for charging a wide variety of devices. Just don’t forget to take it with you!

SPORTY DAD

The Summer of 2014 isn’t, quite, all about Football. Our reigning Champion of the Courts will be defending his title on the Lawns of SW19 , so show your purpose for Andy Murray with these sterling silver Cufflinks specially commissioned for the tennis tournament and create something truly bespoke with Link of London offering an engraving service in all of its stores to add a touch of Personalisation.

GOOD TIME KEEPING DAD

This reissue of a watch first used by pioneers in underwater exploration in the 1970’s this watch from Longines, available into versions one with three hands the other chronograph. Show him how much he means and go on spoil him !

WELL GROOMED DAD

Whether it be giving the England Team, a dapper haircut in this month’s issue of GQ before they depart for hotter climbs or it be as part of his traveling international pop up barber shop the guys over at Mr Natty are men much in demand, well worth keeping an eye out it see if they are visiting a location near you anytime soon, I promise. But in their absence check out their inspired gift sets, either the Ace fighter pilot care package or the Hirsute rogue care packet (essential one for shaving and one for achieving impossibly natty hair styles).

THE MOD DAD

If you’re going to purchase dear old dad something to wear go for something, that, one, you know he’ll like, but more more importantly, ensure it’s something he’ll look suave in. Spoil him pick something like this great and versatile piece from Peter Werth. Not only is it functional, its sure to be a wardrobe favourite and a staple that goes with pretty much everything.

LOVEABLE ROGUE DAD

If your dad falls into that category of a bit of a Hard nut on the outside, who loves nothing more then a pint with his mates and watching the footie. But, when he’s alone with his kith and kin, he’s rather partial to the finer things in life . Look no further than these undoubtedly luxurious house slippers by none other than New and Lingwood, I’ll have you know my good man.

BUSINESS MAN DAD

Just because he might spend a lot of time working doesn’t mean he loves you none the less. Let hope your Business dad is more like Daddy Wallbucks than Patrick Bateman. But get him something he’s bound to be impressed by like this snazzy business card holder by the undoubtedly dapper Turnbull & Asser.

SOMMELIER DAD

Does your dad like to see himself as a bit of an Ozzie Clark, rather then take the mick this Father’s Day, play along with him for once. Make him proud and give him a tool set he’ll actually use, check out this sterling Sommelier kit from Marks & Spencer themselves And for some other genius gift ideas for the Dad in your life take a look at their own Father’s Day gift guide.

The subject of today’s Buyers Guide has been serving the residents of South Manchester and beyond for over 20 years now. Steranko, housed in a former confectioners, where you could say they have been supplying sweet clothes to good people. Fashionable but not faddish, contemporary but not clichéd, Steranko is packed with the kind of clothes, shoes and accessories that simply make you feel marvellous, and leave your friends feeling jealous. stocking such brand as Loake, Nudie Jeans Company, YMC, Wolsey, Superga, John Smedley and Edwin to name but a few. The place has become a bit more than just a shop that sells clothes – it’s become somewhat of a cultural landmark, a place where people come because the are assured they’ll find a unique piece picked by knowlegable and clothes-passionate staff. A place to kick back and get a cup of tea, to discuss football, current events, or where to get the best toasted sandwich in town. The first port of call for your everyday outfits. What more do you want ? So let’s see what the ubiquitous proprietor, Mr Pete Parry has to say ;

Sanders Bruno Gibson Brogue in Dark Navy

Hentschman John Jacket in Prince of Wales check

Fred Perry Tipped Seaside Shirt in Kingfisher

John Smedley Eddy Striped Raglan Pullover in Silver / White / Lemon

Carhartt Fynn Jacket in Regatta

Penfield Mens Hooded Gibson Jacket in Sea Blue

Adidas Tech Super in Running White / Mid Grey

Rains Long Jacket in Yellow

Penfield Mountain Crew in Blue Melange

YMC P6BAS Heather Cotton Pocket Tee in Red

We’ve all been there, had a great time on holiday, gutted to be back to cold weather, stood at the baggage re-claim carousel and that cold, stark feeling dawns upon you of, where’s my luggage ? A couple of years ago, my luggage went missing so regularly, it became a running joke with friends and work colleagues, “Ohhh wonder where it’ll end up this time ? Haha”. This was normally greeted with a withering, “ha, yeah” or similar words to that effect, kinda, use your imagination.

So as holiday season rapidly approaches we thought we’d give you some inspiration for weekend bags, ideally luggage you can keep as hand luggage to prevent that nightmare scenario, of having to describe your missing bag to a person who really doesn’t care and looks at you unsympathetically, when you inform them, “It’s a black bag”.

You’ll never suffer the misfortune of picking up the wrong luggage again if you invest in this great piece from PRADA.

Whether it be a highland jaunt or more exotic climbs, this bag with see you fine season after season in this timeless collaboration by Harris Tweed & Marks & Spencer

Buisness or or pleasure this is a great all rounder of a weekend bag by Tumi

Now this is a design classic, the Clipper from Mulberry will never go out of fashion and for experience, these just get better with age.
La Portegna might not be a brand that automatically leaping into your mind when you think of luggage but they are definitely worth hunting out this brand from Madrid.

Lastly, but by no means least is the King of Designer luggage, the brand who invented the rule book of luggage and ripped it up, Louis Vuitton Neo Eole, New light weight Damier Graphite Rolling duffle luggage continues Louis Vuitton heritage of innovating travel. Is it for everyday, of course not, it’s an investment piece which you will cherish for the rest of your life and like an old friend will remind you of past trips and adventures.

CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

London Collections:Men Designer Profile – Jeremy Hackett

HACKETT MAYFAIR COLLECTION FOR AUTUMN 2014

London Collections:Men – Show Review – Spring/Summer 2015 – Part I

This Sunday is Father’s Day ! – Father’s Day Gift Guide in Association with M&S

The Buyers Guide to Summer 2014 – Pete Parry – Steranko

6 of the best weekend bags

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