The world of clothing and fashion may not be of any use to many of us, accept, of course if you own an exclusive retail empire. Jeremy Hackett has been one of these people and since he founded ‘Hackett’ – the brand which influenced the likes of American fashion designer Ralph Lauren, to set up his own company based around the classic look - it has remained one of the most exclusive classic outfitters of clothing for all ages. “Our clothing wears in, not out” he tells me with enthusiasm.
 
Brought up in Clifton, Bristol, Mr. Hackett attended the local comprehensive school and says he always knew what he wanted to do. “I had very different taste from my parents” he admits with a serious glare “but I always knew what I wanted to do and what I liked”. To this day, Hackett – a renowned brand in over 10 countries in Europe – still preserves English tradition. Not only does it do this with ease, it adds to its reputation by sponsoring British sports such as Aston Martin racing, British Army Polo, International Polo, The London Rowing Club, Beaujolais Run and most famous of all, Jonny Wilkinson – the driving force behind England’s rugby world cup title in 2003. “We had to have all of Jonny’s clothes made to measure for the shoot”, and then he says, “Absolutely everything was hard to design as he has such a very square figure”. Jonny Wilkinson still attracts a large fan base at Hackett and manages to drive the brand and its reputation of high quality clothing further. But still, the most important aspect is ‘Hackett’, and as I put it to him: what would Hackett be without Mr. Hackett himself? “That’s for others to decide” he says with a smile. Owing to many commitments to do with his empire, one which is crucial to him is the marketing of Hackett, and making sure everything is at its best.

Recently, the brand took on its new face, Mathew Goode who played Charles Ryder in the 2008 remake of Brideshead Revisited – who was featured in many of Hackett’s new season's brochures. Whether it’s for a wedding, business, sports or casual – Hackett has the perfect outfit for you and the occasion. What is the future of Hackett? I ask. “This is it, we are unique in who we are and in how we remain true to our traditional roots of the elegant, stylish English appeal”. Like everything old in Britain – the Monarchy; Aston Martin motor cars and Hadrian’s Wall – Hackett manages to stay in the 21st century without being old-fashioned.