Hardy Amies

In 1934 Hardy Amies became manager of Lachasse, one of the most well-known of the British fashion houses. He was 25.

Not yet a designer, Hardy completed his first collection in August of that year for the company and, although it was slow to sell and late to be completed, it started a glittering career and a fashion house. His career not only took in womenswear but menswear too, and included designing the costumes for Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. 

The Queen's favourite designer started to design in 1950 for the princess' royal visit to Canada. In 1955 he was awarded the Royal Warrant. The House designed in the early 2000s for Her Majesty. 

Hardy Amies closed its flagship store in 2019 and it seems like the only trace that is left are suits sold by Moss Bros. 

A fascinating man, Hardy Amies life is the focus of a book just purchased for the library in the studio. The book has been written by Michael Pick and features a chronological exploration of the life and work of the designer.