JEREMY HACKETT’S PHOTOGRAPHY CAPSTONE
“It teaches you how to live. How to observe and capture the moment”
— Jeremy Hackett
(All photos below are provided by Jeremy from his private collection never shared before)
INTRODUCTION
We sat down over a gin and tonic with Jeremy Hackett, the British menswear icon, at his eponymous townhouse, No. 14 Savile Row. Since opening his first shop on the King’s Road in 1983, he has defined what effortless style looks like, dressing dashing gentlemen across the globe.
Affectionately known as Mr Classic, Hackett has spent four decades at the pinnacle of style. We sit within a setting steeped in history: the four-storey, Grade II–listed Georgian townhouse was once Sir Hardy Amies’ studio. Amies dressed Queen Elizabeth II for decades and held her Royal Warrant. She came regularly for fittings, and Amies even installed a bathroom there for her exclusive use — later restored by Hackett.
We meet to discuss a passion project that has quietly shaped his life alongside his keystone achievements in clothing: his love and fervour for photography.
JEREMY’S CAPSTONE
Jeremy describes his style as “essential British kit,” which includes an accessory that has become his trusty companion, often seen worn around his neck, over his three-piece suit: a Leica camera.
“I carry my camera wherever I go on the off chance I see something interesting. I have spent so much time in taxis darting around London. The camera connects me with the streets, makes me more observant of my surroundings, as I look to capture classic moments in time.”
His fascination began at early Hackett photoshoots, where he started taking his own behind-the-scenes images. Much of his photography is focused on London life: Rolls-Royces parked outside galleries, the bustle of Sloane Square, an espresso at Colbert, the hushed elegance of the Savoy.
“I’m looking for character, charm, and scenes that tell a story. It turns a simple journey, from meeting A to meeting B, into a window for my passion.”
~ ON WEEKENDS ~
When unwinding at the weekends, he can be found putting together little books of photographs or walking with his beloved dog… another regular subject of his photography.
“It feels effortless as it’s my passion. I also ike going to see an exhibition at The Photographers’ Gallery, a short walk on the edge of Mayfair. These are certainly not chores.”
~ ON LONDON & MAYFAIR ~
“London is one of the greatest cities for good old-fashioned hustle and bustle. Within that, I can see pockets of serenity and calm. If I manage to capture those more candid moments in amongst the city, it’s hugely fulfilling.”
Mayfair, in contrast, offers him a more elegant rhythm.
“It has a slightly different pace versus the more frenetic parts of London. For me, it epitomises elegance, the grand buildings, the wider streets, the historic businesses, often hundreds of years old, built around luxury and timeless style.
It doesn’t mean, however, that a lot of my photos taken around this area aren’t still blurred…”
Just as the business has grown, so too has the prosperity of his customers — hence the demand for bespoke, made-to-measure tailoring to meet their needs, especially in Mayfair. Hackett has stayed on top, fuelled by an ability to see things ahead of others, a vision often sharpened by the observations he makes through his photography.
~ ON THE PROJECT THAT DOESN’T STOP ~
“It’s my Capstone as it’s a passion project I envisage doing for as long as I’m alive… capturing and cherishing moments.”
He has enjoyed sharing these on Instagram, and also weaving them into Hackett itself.
“Ideas and innovation can come from those in-between moments.”
And in true Hackett style, he leaves us with a touch of romance:
“The perfect picture, however, is always when I haven’t got my camera. There’s such beauty in knowing that.”
For more… See our Compendium
The Compendium is our library of articles across the 12 Capstone Pillars — from sport to philanthropy, longevity to media, adventure to education, and beyond. It also contains articles we’ve written for other publications and reports we’ve published. In each, we chart the arc of projects through the three phases of career and life, looking through the Cornerstone, Keystone, and Capstone lens. Often we’ve considered the future impact technology will have on a topic.
We have interviewed some of the most remarkable people to hear about their Capstones. Here we share both their pitfalls and wisdom. You can click on the category headings to go through to a page containing all the related articles or click on each individual link to go straight through to dive straight in…
In the background, we’ve compiled a comprehensive archive of Capstones, of which these are some of the most compelling highlights.