While it may not be the most cutting edge of brands,
Hackett London does what it does extremely well.
The near three-decade old brand prides itself on having its own point of view on menswear -- based on quintessential British style, yet with its own distinctive take to keep things fresh.
You may be familiar with Hackett's men’s formal wear, but the company’s roots actually also trace to the sport of polo -- so it's no surprise that Hackett makes a wonderful line of polo shirts (as well as rugby shirts, et cetera).
The Hackett New Classic Polo Shirt with a twill applique number on both the chest sleeve and back comes in a tailored cut that’s trimmer in the body. Perfect for relaxation and play.
HACKETT LONDON
At 16 years of age, having failed his exams in his native Bristol, the young Jeremy Hackett was told by his father: “If you don’t pull your socks up you’ll end up working in a shop.”
The irony of this threat straight away became apparent. Hackett was already working in a men’s store in his home town and decided that was indeed what he wanted to do. He moved to London and secured a job on the fashionable King’s Road, before accepting a position at a tailor's shop on Savile Row. As a sideline he bought and sold second hand traditional British men’s clothing. Hackett met Ashley Lloyd-Jennings in Portobello Road while both were combing the market for good second-hands. A business partnership is soon started with a small stall in Portobello themselves, selling clothing that’s been cleaned and repaired.
When it became apparent that market demand will always exceed supply of quality second-hands, Hackett and Lloyd-Jennings decided that the answer was to manufacture from new. They were able to create their ideal collection, a range that contained all their favourites but displayed a bold use of colour and pattern, presenting a fresh take on British men’s style, which attracted the sons of the then archetypal “Savile Row customer”.
Today, in addition to scores of standalone shops, Hackett is represented in hundreds of concessions, outlets and stockists across the UK, Europe, Japan, Dubai, Kuwait, Mexico, and South Africa.
Lesson? Never listen to your father’s advice if you want a retail empire that bears your name? (We kid, we kid.)
(Pic) Mr. Jeremy Hackett himself caught the eye of Scott Schuman (aka, The Sartorialist) earlier this year (Jan, 2010).
Jeremy Hackett is also known as " Mr. Classic," the title of his regular column for the London Independent on Sunday, which airs his witty, incisive views and observations on fashion and style.
Hackett also actively sponsors world sporting events and organisations. Tailored clothing and accessories are designed and sold in connection with existing sponsorships including the Aston Martin Racing Team, the British Army Polo Team, the London Rowing Club, the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race, the Valencia Open Tennis Tournament (Spain), and the Lotus F1 Racing Team.
(Pic) Lotus' Heikki Kovalainen and Jarno Trulli, dressed in Hackett for the track... and Monte Carlo.
Last year, for the first time since 1959, Aston Martin triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (24 Heures du Mans). Commonly known as the "Grand Prix of Endurance", this is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since 1923 near the town of Le Mans, Sarthe, France.
