Kestin Hare is new Henri-Lloyd creative director as it makes wholesale comeback

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Mar 21, 2023

British sports-to-lifestyle brand Henri-Lloyd has named Kestin Hare as its creative director. The highly respected designer is also founder and creative chief of Kestin, his own Edinburgh-based premium menswear label.

Henri-Lloyd said the appointment “represents a significant step change for the iconic British Heritage Brand as it celebrates its 60th anniversary under its new ownership and signals a return to the wholesale market”. 

The collections Hare creates “will showcase premium product and quality design, leaning into brand heritage while elevating the platform on a global scale”. 

The core offer will be the Sportswear range that “will become the pinnacle foundation of Henri-Lloyd lifestyle, and Kestin Hare will influence the platform” through both product design and marketing. 

Hare has carved out a strong niche for himself in the contemporary menswear sector and is also known for “his talent to take heritage brands and redefine them in a way that is both respectful, innovative and elevated”. 

His signature look is smart-relaxed but with a strong feel for colour and statement prints, as well as vintage, workwear, military, sports and outdoor style.

It will be particularly interesting to see what he does at Henri-Lloyd given its crucial sports links and the fact that it also produces womenswear.

The brand was acquired last year by Switzerland’s Odlo International, which vowed to keep it as a British-based label and Hare’s appointment to the key role is a clear sign of this.

“I was drawn to Henri-Lloyd for the way it has built a business founded on values such as integrity and innovation,” said Hare. “[Its] relevance lies in this fusion of sport and fashion. I see a tremendous opportunity to design world class product and I am beyond proud to contribute to a new chapter in its history.” 

Meanwhile CEO Graham Allen added: “We are delighted to announce Kestin Hare as Creative Director and together, define
the future chapters of [its] rich heritage in craftsmanship. For 60 years our reputation has built on extremes and heroic exploration. Combine this heritage and sustainability goals, with Hare’s contemporary vision on fit and materials, and with his leadership our purpose is to transcend the norms of the industry and elevate the next generation of premium global product.”