It’s hard not to be inspired by the journey of Hawkins & Shepherd’s Founder, Carl Thompson, who followed his passion from Oil & Gas to Fashion - and his championing of Pin Collar Shirts. The pin collar turned out to be quite a trend forecast as we’d seen it appear in Autumn/ Winter 2014 collections such as Dior, and most recently on the High St in Reiss. However, unlike these brands Hawkins & Shepherd aims to cater to the gap in the market where customers want value for money for a luxury product.

I met with Carl to consult on producing a fashion shoot featuring Hawkins & Shepherd’s Pin Collar Shirts. Carl admired a shoot I’d put together and styled for Essential Homme Magazine, 'Welcome to the Funhouse', featuring retro prints and fashion interiors. Similarly, Carl wanted to do a high fashion shoot for his Pin Collar Shirts.

For location, I thought what could be more appropriate than transporting the shoot to Blakes Hotel - I knew its captivating interiors would enhance my styling. Hawkins & Shepherd just needed this high fashion edge to truly make Carl’s shirts come to life.

The other worldliness of Blakes' interiors, referencing the English love of travel, seemed fitting given Hawkins & Shepherds' love of the British eccentric. Only I wanted to inject some Rock n' Roll undertones for a youthful, bohemian spirit. For this, I selected pieces by Missoni, Diesel Black Gold, and Just Cavalli prints.

Hawkins & Shepherd offer an array of different pins to suit your mood. I suggested showcasing the versatility of Pin Collar Shirts by including evening and casual looks - my favourite being the pin collar styled with a bomber jacket. I opted for the safety pin, our model channelling the punk element, and street style of Paul Simonon of The Clash. Later dressed in Just Cavalli’s glamour, our fashionable gent took to the bar in a statement sequinned jacket, which Carl confessed was his favourite.

An exciting highlight of the shoot - I was told Hawkins & Shepherd made history, as it was the first time a fashion shoot has been done in the ‘Opium Den Chic’ interiors of Blakes' exclusive Chinese Room. For the evening looks I selected pieces by John Varvatos, Richard James, and a statement three-piece suit by Dior Homme featuring playful polka dot motifs. I chose exquisite timepieces by Tresor Paris.

By providing the opportunity for Hawkins & Shepherd to collaborate with brands such as Dior, I gave Pin Collar Shirts the luxury branding Carl Thompson was after.

As an added touch, Carl asked me to write the copy for Hawkins & Shepherds' lookbook, to further define and enhance the style of each different look - all wearable with the classic Pin Collar Shirt. My aim was to show Carl's customers and my personal styling clients, the ways Pin Collar shirts are wearable - whether you're a classic, preppy, or sporty gentleman. Finally, in order to make his exciting debut on the fashion scene, I also arranged for the shoot to be published in Schon! Magazine, with Carl's accompanying Interview, and followed-up by having the shoot promoted on various blogs. To see the outstanding results of the Hawkins & Shepherd campaign, click HERE.

The use of my networks saved Carl time and expense in putting together a shoot concept and production - creative team and location, which produced a marketing campaign in digital and print.

If you also need a lookbook for your brand and would like to use my services please contact me via the contact form.

HAWKINS & SHEPHERD LOOKBOOK