Hackett Autumn/Winter 2014
Hackett London used this year’s London Collections: MEN as its chance to further cement a place in menswear, just weeks after opening a new flagship store. The label delivered an impeccable showcase at the Freemason’s Hall on Great Queen Street this Tuesday as part of the seasonal event. Under the direction of Jeremy Hackett, the show was heritage from the off, with the lobby and stairs decorated with bellboys dressed in sharply cut thirties uniforms. Complete with leather-strapped Globetrotter cases, the ensembles echoed the era of grand European hotels. As the show began in the Art Deco setting, models took to the runway in a patriotic tribute to the golden age of travel. The collection was a polished representation of the explorer of yesteryear. Vintage Leica cameras hung from the necks of the experienced travel photographer; beatnik students, cool hunters and high-flying execs were also translated onto the catwalk. The appearance of the country traveller was evident in the pairing of two-piece Scottish plaid tailoring and leather-bound vintage suitcases. Roll neck knits were a reference to Hackett’s own retro origins. The crowning touch to the collection’s theme was model Matt Benstead. The 25-year-old was seen clad in polished expedition attire in shades of cream. Decked out in a fine-gauge knit, perfectly cut jacket, oversized scarf and backpack with a pick-axe balanced on his shoulder, Benstead embodied the spirit of twenties Everest explorer, George Mallory. Scottish Highland and sixties English plaids were also central to the collection, with houndstooth and oversized heritage checks dominating the tailoring. Sleek and structured formal briefcases and holdalls were juxtaposed with beanie hats, giving the collection a rebellion-meets-tradition mood. The palette was a nod to British winter dressing, with dark navy and shades of grey juxtaposed with dashes of cobalt blue. Oxblood and burgundy hues punctuated the collection to lend warmth to the cold weather colour scheme. Hackett also played host to the first celebrity walker of the season. Former Glasgow Warriors fullback Thom Evans made his debut after getting a taste for modelling as the face of underwear brand D Hedral. In line with the brand’s usual poise, the collection captured the finest elements of heritage style, while speaking volumes about the reinvention of classic menswear for the contemporary dresser. Hackett’s AW14 collection will be available to buy later this year online or at one of its 77 international stores; including the recently opened flagship on Regent Street.
Hackett AW14 Runway Video
Hackett AW14 Collection
