“A non-busy man is a dull man,” said Harold Tillman, “and I’m being inspired by everything I do, all of the time…I just hope that I can impart some of my experience on others.”
Harold Tillman is indeed a busy man…and has been for sometime. He first made his mark in the swinging sixties after joining a menswear supplier on Great Portland Street. He persuaded his employer to allow him to produce a collection of ‘Beatle’ jackets and hipster trousers in strong plaid checks that they took to Carnaby Street. This grew to become the largest part of the business and ultimately Harold ended up owning the company.
2009 sees 25 years of London Fashion Week, 25 years of the British Fashion Council and 125 years of Jaeger. “I’m sort of in between those ages,” declared Harold, owner of Jaeger and chairman of the BFC.
Harold Tillman and Lauretta Roberts
Harold, interviewed by FBC member and Drapers editor, Lauretta Roberts at One Alfred Place, spoke of his inspiration for the fashion business, his involvement with the British Fashion Council, “I want to create an interest for designers to show in London,” and answered questions from the floor.
“Can I phone a friend?” He answered with a smile when asked what price you can put on quality in the current economic climate. Although he did go on to say that it depends on one’s walk of life, “If you love it, you’ll pay anything for it.”
“I have a business today that can sustain this recession. Its a strong brand but its not a huge business,” said Harold, “it’s not the end of the world. I’m sure all of us who leave here today will go and do what we would of done six months ago.”
Lauretta Roberts and Harold Tillman with Co-Founders, Courtney Blackman and Alison Whelan
If you missed out on the FBC meeting with Harold then fear not, and keep your eyes peeled. We’ll be soon be posting a video of the interview, so watch this space!
Sarah Hardy Editor
Photographs by Dave Wise
