Huntsman is excited to share a new bespoke collaboration between Huntsman and British designer Daniel W. Fletcher. Premiering at London Fashion Week June 2023, the collection features nine bespoke looks, co-created by Daniel W. Fletcher and Huntsman in a partnership that brings together two creative powerhouses in a celebration of fashion and bespoke craftsmanship. But before the runway presentation, which debuted to open London Fashion Week on June 9th, at the Royal Academy, there was an extensive six-month design journey.
The tailcoat; which proved a dramatic end to the runway show is seen for the first time at baste stage.
This collaboration is a dynamic and tasteful blend of distinct aesthetics, the result of which is a capsule collection which speaks of timeless elegance and contemporary flair with an utterly unique design DNA. From immaculately tailored suits to statement outerwear and eveningwear for men and women, each piece embodies the harmonious union of Huntsman's celebrated heritage and Fletcher's cutting-edge vision, executed with faultless bespoke precision.
Campbell and Daniel review the first garments from the collection.
Huntsman's esteemed Head Cutter and Creative Director Campbell Carey joined forces with Daniel W. Fletcher, renowned for his innovative design and contemporary aesthetic. Authenticity and paying homage to the legacy of bespoke tailoring were paramount in Fletcher’s approach to this collaboration; each of the looks has been meticulously crafted by the team at 11 Savile Row. This collaboration showcases the unrivalled bespoke skill that has made Huntsman a global benchmark of sartorial excellence since 1849.
Daniel, wearing a Huntsman x Daniel W. Fletcher look, and Campbell pause for a photograph in the workshop of 11 Savile Row.
In concept and design, Carey and Fletcher embarked on an extensive journey which took them back to our founding year, and through over 170 years of our comprehensive garment archive.
Bespoke enthusiasts and those well acquainted with Huntsman history will find familiar nuances in the proportions, silhouettes, and style details of the garments; drawing from our equestrian heritage, as well as from our military, ceremonial and civilian tailoring. You’ll recognise a tasteful, unmistakable nod to the defining style of legendary Huntsman Head Cutter Colin Hammick that runs throughout the collection.
All good bespoke begins with a conversation: Campbell, pictured here discusses the design concept with Daniel in the Huntsman Club.
Classic tailoring styles are elevated with structure shoulders and neat waistlines define the Huntsman garments; baste stitching remains in two coats, a celebration of the very heart of bespoke.
“Innovation with respect to tradition is a cornerstone of our business and is exactly what we achieved with this collaboration. Daniel’s designs are elevated and fashion-forward, and still pay deference to the quality and authenticity of Savile Row tailoring. Daniel has not only an understanding, but a deep respect for what we do at Huntsman, and this meant that we could explore a more interesting and detailed narrative within his designs. This is in no small part due to his vision and decisiveness. Daniel avoids the trope so many other young designers fall foul of; that is, change for change's sake. Instead, his concepts are considered, and execution clear. Both as Creative Director, but also as Head Cutter, it is my duty to ensure every collaborative endeavour exists with pertinence towards the vision for the future of Huntsman. This partnership is an example of how heritage and modernity can work together to create something truly unique and special. In this project I looked to pay homage to our forebears, but also create something which is firmly cemented in the here and now, and will become part of our rich sartorial legacy in years to come.”
Campbell Carey, Huntsman Head Cutter & Creative Director
Though both Carey and Fletcher have a distinguished style profile, they share in the relentless pursuit of sartorial excellence. The resulting collection captures the essence of Huntsman's celebrated bespoke heritage while exuding the distinctive design identity that defines Daniel W. Fletcher's highly celebrated work. Fletcher, already well-versed in the art of bespoke tailoring approached Huntsman with the understanding of the unique place that we occupy on Savile Row, both as vanguards of tradition but also as a house committed to innovation and evolution, themes which play a significant role within the entire collection.
“To work with Huntsman in such a way, that has been so much about detail and craft, is a real honour. I know that being able to observe and take note of the way that Campbell and the Huntsman team works will inform how I go on to design for the rest of my career. Building from the collaboration, I wanted to show the best of what we do here in the UK and the craft behind creating these collections and the heritage of British fashion.”
Daniel W. Fletcher
In turn, Huntsman instantly recognised Daniel as a visionary within contemporary British fashion design. His originality, creativity, values towards sustainable practice and craftsmanship and deference toward bespoke tailoring made for an instant fit. This collaboration represents the intricate intersectionality between bespoke tailoring and fashion; a space in which design, style and craftsmanship can flourish.
For Carey, it’s a natural evolution within his role as Creative Director, one taken by his forebears in further establishing Huntsman as a house committed to innovation; and as such, creating a landscape in which future generations of bespoke makers can thrive and innovate.
Crowing the collection; a dramatic tailcoat with an exaggerated train, that was a momentous end to the show.
Each of the bespoke looks from the show will be available to order by commission from Huntsman.
ABOUT: Daniel
Daniel Fletcher was nominated for the prestigious LVMH prize in 2017 and has garnered further recognition through several award wins: European Semi-Final of the International Woolmark Prize, 2018, a Future British Award, and has been named Drapers 30 Under 30. In 2020, Fletcher was awarded Breakthrough Designer of The Year by British GQ. After many successful seasons showing his collections on the London Fashion Week Men’s schedule, Daniel took part in Netflix’s ‘Next in Fashion’ series which saw Daniel get to the final. Alongside his namesake label, Daniel is Artistic Director of iconic Italian label Fiorucci. Daniel produces deeply personal collections that explore his thoughts on current affairs and social issues. With a focus on casual luxury and sustainability, each collection combines timeless shapes with repurposed fabrics and motifs. These collections have been presented on the LFW schedule in a number of different formats, across digital, presentation and runway and the brand is now in its sixteenth season.
ABOUT: Daniel W. Fletcher
DANIEL w. FLETCHER is a London-based contemporary brand, established in 2015 after Daniel Fletcher graduated from Central Saint Martins. The brand focuses on a casual luxury approach and remains reflective of contemporary society, looking to British culture, current affairs and social issues, while exploring heritage techniques and increasingly embracing sustainable practices.