Hardy Amies
United Kingdom
Hardy Amies is a British fashion house founded on Savile Row in 1946 by Sir Hardy Amies, who was one of the Queen's official dressmakers from 1955. It has had several owners, including Fung Capital from 2008, went into administration in 2018 and continues in Australia under Austico Apparel according to Wikipedia.
| Founded | 1946 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Sir Hardy Amies |
| Original address | No. 14 Savile Row, London |
| Royal appointment | Dressmaker to the Queen from 1955 |
| Segment | Luxury and designer houses |
What is Hardy Amies?
Hardy Amies is a British fashion house founded by the couturier Sir Edwin Hardy Amies (1909 to 2003), who was knighted in 1989. Britannica records that he joined the tailoring house Lachasse in 1934, founded his own house on Savile Row in 1945 and became the Queen's dressmaker in 1955. Wikipedia states that Hardy Amies Ltd was set up in January 1946.
History
The house was located at No. 14 Savile Row from 1946. Amies was appointed one of the Queen's three official dressmakers in 1955, and he gave up the warrant in 1990 so that younger designers could create for her. He added menswear in 1959 and later designed for the tailoring chain Hepworths, and Britannica credits him with a major influence on 1960s menswear.
Ownership
The business was sold to Debenhams in May 1973 and bought back by Amies in 1981. In May 2001 it was sold to the Luxury Brands Group. After bankruptcy it was acquired in November 2008 by Fung Capital, the private investment arm of Victor and William Fung of Li & Fung. According to Wikipedia the company went into administration for a second time in 2018 and was attempting to sell its assets in 2019.
Business model and distribution
The No. 14 Savile Row store closed in March 2019, and Hackett London took over the space as its flagship in June 2019. Wikipedia states that the label continues in Australia, run by Austico Apparel, and is sold through retailers including Hardy & Harper and David Jones. The brand was an early entrant into ready-to-wear menswear and used licensing in various countries.
Why it matters
Hardy Amies is historically significant for its royal connection and its role in popularising menswear ready-to-wear. Its current ownership and global status after 2019 could not be verified from the sources reviewed, so none is claimed here.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Hardy Amies?
The brand has had several owners, including Fung Capital from 2008. Wikipedia reports administration in 2018 and says the label continues in Australia under Austico Apparel; current ownership was not verified.
Where is Hardy Amies from?
Hardy Amies is a British fashion house founded on Savile Row in London in 1946 by Sir Hardy Amies.