Dapper men across the world take note: if you’re not already familiar with the clothes brand Hackett, think quintessentially British garments harking back to era when tailoring and tweed reigned supreme. Their blazers, woollen ties and tailored suits would elevate any look to gentleman about town.
With the launch of Hackett London’s autumn winter 2015 collection we sit down with the company's founder, Jeremy Hackett, and his Sussex spaniel Muffin, to hear about personal style and the rise of men's fashion.
Hackett harks back to an age when men took pride in thier appearance. The founder points out "People forget but if you go back to the 60s and the mod-era guys really did make an effort then. They cared massively about their appearance and were always preening themselves. I suppose a big difference is now men are more used to the idea of using products. Then we would slap on some old spice and go. Now tastes are significantly more sophisticated, but we’re still all peacocking around."
Hackett the clothes brand was founded in 1983 but Hackett the entrepreneur started selling second hand clothes in the late 1970s. "I had a friend in a flea market in Paris and he wanted anything essentially British; riding clothes, tailored suits etc and he was very successful selling them on. After a while I realised, why sell to him when I could sell the clothes myself."
The first Hackett store opened on “the wrong end” of the New Kings Road in London and since then Hackett has watched men’s fashion evolve. He points out that "there is a more relaxed feel to clothes than there was 30 years ago. The materials are softer and less stiff. Comfort is more important to people and that is echoed in what we design and the fabrics we use.”
Despite the fact that his label is so quintessentially British, Hackett thinks another nation takes the style crown. “Italians are the most stylish nationality, although they will often be wearing British designers. I don’t know what it is they just seem to have this edge; they’ll knot a scarf slightly differently and look amazing. It’s from the cradle though, they are all immaculate.”
Be careful of the trends you follow
Hackett has lots of advice for how men should dress; one particular garment by which he can’t abide are skinny jeans. “Guys are pouring themselves into these things because they’re being told they ‘have’ to wear them. Unfortunately most men just don’t have the body for them. They walk around with these huge backsides and large thighs and they come down to these tiny ankles, not flattering.” On the topic he warns “Be careful of the trends you follow. Wear what suits you.”
The Hackett founder also believes in pairing it back and investing in good, long wearing pieces, a lesson men and women alike could learn from. “I always say keep it simple and encourage people to buy the best quality they can afford. Invest in your clothes rather than buy cheap tat that doesn’t fit and as a result you don’t wear”
So what is that one piece should men invest in? “Every year in our shops the navy blue jacket is the best seller. I’ll always bring a navy blazer with me every wear I go. It’s the men’s equivalent of the little black dress. If you are heading out the door and are unsure of what to wear, it’s the best fall back. You can put it on with jeans, cords, chinos, anything really and it doesn’t have to be an old golf club cut, it can be modern and in any fabric.”
Final words of advice from the menswear guru: “Wear what you feel comfortable in. If you’re a jeans and t-shirt sort of guy, then wear good jeans and a t-shirt. If you feel comfortable in a suit, then wear that. Be aware of what suits you, always be comfortable and then you will wear the clothes rather than them wearing you.”
Hacket London is found on South Anne Street, Dublin and can be purchased on hackett.com
