‘It’s driven by quality’: Designer Jeremy Hershan’s fashion ethos

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, Haulier designer Jeremy Hershan.

How would you describe your style? It’s driven by quality. I’m obsessed with the way things are made and buying the best version of a product I can find. And timelessness; fashion fades but style never goes away. My wardrobe is anchored around great vintage denim, quality footwear and a mix of influences including military, tailoring, athletic wear and workwear.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? Broken-in jeans; I seek out Levi’s 501s from the 1960s and ’70s through to the ‘90s from dealers in Japan, Paris and London. A mesh vest which I wear under an open shirt. And maybe it’s a legacy thing, but R.M. Williams’ cuban-heeled “Yearling” boots are a staple. [Jeremy is a former creative director of R.M. Williams.]

Any go-to jewellery? A gold chain with gold keepsakes – a Roman coin, scissors to remind me of my tailoring background and a pair of boxing gloves for my hobby. I also collect old military watches and vintage Omegas.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A 1950s air force shirt. It’s covered in paint, like someone has worn it off-duty to fix up the house. I love the stories these clothes tell.

And the most recent addition? I’m living and breathing Haulier, the brand I started in 2020, and I’ve been wearing our “Marvin” T-shirt a lot. It’s made from a mesh we created modelled on an old sportswear fabric.

What would you wear …
… on a first date? An open shirt, jeans and a blazer.
… on a plane? A T-shirt, old jeans and I’ll throw on my blazer because I don’t like putting it in my suitcase.
… on the red carpet? I’m a sucker for the classics – my background is Savile Row – so a traditional black double-breasted dinner suit, but I would forgo the bow tie for an open silk shirt.

What’s your favourite fashion era? The 1970s offer endless inspiration, both the music and the movies – Jack Nicholson in Antonioni’s The Passenger, Dennis Hopper films, the Cannes Film Festival red carpet from that period … There were no celebrity stylists then.

Who are your favourite designers? Martin Margiela, for reinterpreting archival fashion through a modern lens. Also, Ralph Lauren for the way he created a timeless aesthetic that is instantly recognisable.

What’s your fragrance of choice? 19-69’s “Chinese Tobacco”.

Do you remember a favourite piece of clothing from when you were a child? I remember getting my first pair of Levi’s when I was about six – they were a dark-rinse wash. And I had a few Benetton sweatshirts I loved.

And your worst fashion mistake? I had a punk stage when I was 14 – spiky hair, the Sex Pistols …

What was your first fashion moment? From a young age I was obsessed with music and inspired by whatever my favourite musicians, like Nirvana, were wearing. Skateboarding was also a big fashion influence.

Is there anything you would never wear? Trousers with elasticated ankles.

What’s at the top of your wish list? A 1970s Mercedes.

Is there a current trend you like? Mixing high with low – wearing sportswear with tailoring, for example.

What shoes do you wear the most? Horatio loafers. Also, Paraboot sandals – they look great with a sock.

Who is your favourite fashion icon? I love ’70s actor Helmut Berger, and Nicolas Cage in the 1990 David Lynch film Wild at Heart.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Haulier “Utility” jeans, made from Japanese denim, and our big square-cut pyjama shirts – they’re based on an old Australian military pyjama and they’re lovely to wear in summer.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Our “Monaco” shorts with an open gauzy shirt. I’ll be hanging with the kids at the beach.

Haulier is available here.

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