Hardy Amies is a luxury British menswear brand, which acknowledges its heritage, and the legacy of its innovative founder. Here men’s fashion and style expert, Jake Daniels, takes a look at the man behind the brand and what we can expect from the Savile Row giant in 2016.
Sir Hardy Amies was London’s most successful couturier – he was dresser to HM Queen Elizabeth II from her accession in 1952 to his retirement in 1989 – his impact on fashion history has been far-reaching. Man, his 1962 catwalk show at The Savoy, was not only stylistically ground-breaking, but also served as one of the major catalysts in the big bang of British menswear.
One of the founders of ready-to-wear clothing for men, he remarked that his designs looked equally good on an urban English gent or an American athlete. His customers certainly agreed, and his clothes were worn by everyone from Lord Snowdon and Peter Sellers to David Hockney and Ronald Reagan. In 1966, he designed for the winning England World Cup team – in particular, its captain Bobby Moore. In dressing Patrick Macnee as super-spy John Steed in The Avengers, he also made the bowler hat fashionable again. He had experience in espionage himself during World War II, but that’s another story.
Behind that public persona, Hardy was first and foremost a serious fashion designer. He operated on two principles. One: respect heritage. Two: steer clear of conformity and, even if it is just a case of donning a singularly stark accessory, be sure to stand out from the crowd. Simple doctrines, yes, but evidently ones that are as resonant and reliable now as they have ever been.
Today the Savile Row brand boasts fans such as Tinie Tempah and even stocks New Balance. It’s the ultimate heritage brand for the modern gent so the perfect go to for your Christmas party!
Nothing beats a crisp white shirt when it comes to evening wear. Their white shirts combine classic and contemporary tailoring through a contrast centre panel and double cuffs for a polished look. While their polished brushed gold and silver plated cuff links boast both a classic circular shape and the signature Hardy Amies monogram.
Their handkerchiefs can add a unique twist to blazers. Printed with warm winter colours- this is a perfect fit for AW15. As featured on the Hardy Amies runway, the french navy wool dinner suit comes in the signature monogram jacquard. Exclusively woven for Hardy Amies by British Mill Steven Walters, the shawl collar single button-fastening jacket comes with grosgrain- covered buttons.
Lastly, Hardy Amies evening shoes have been fashioned on a traditional rounded Oxford shoe for a sharp statement. A perfect match for a Hardy Amies suit.
Address: 8 Savile Row, London W1S 3PE
