The Heritage
The Story of Hackett London
Hackett London began as a classic British menswear label and has quietly expanded into fragrance, offering scents that echo the rhythm of the capital city. The brand translates its reputation for tailored tailoring into aromatic compositions that feel both familiar and unexpected. Each bottle carries a sense of understated confidence, inviting the modern gentleman to experience London’s streets, clubs and riverbanks through scent. The line, launched in 2022, now includes several yearly releases that build on the label’s heritage while exploring new olfactory territories.
Heritage
Hackett London was founded in 1983 by Jeremy Hackett and Ashley Lloyd‑Jennings, two former market stall‑holders who turned a modest shop on King’s Road into a destination for British tailoring. Their early focus on authentic, well‑cut clothing resonated with a generation seeking understated quality, and the brand quickly expanded to a flagship store on Savile Row, cementing its connection to the heart of British tailoring. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s Hackett opened stores across the UK and abroad, including a notable presence on Berlin’s Kurfürstendamm avenue, a move that signalled the label’s confidence in exporting its British aesthetic. In 2022 the house announced its first foray into fragrance, a decision driven by the belief that scent could serve the same role as a well‑cut suit – a personal signature that completes an outfit. The debut fragrance, Bespoke, arrived that year and was followed by Essential (2022) and Absolute (2023). Subsequent releases – English Oud (2024), Nightwalk and Marine Blue (both 2025) – have broadened the portfolio while staying true to the brand’s London‑centric narrative. Hackett’s evolution from a single shop to a global lifestyle label reflects a steady commitment to quality, a respect for tradition, and a willingness to explore new creative avenues without abandoning its roots.
Craftsmanship
Production of Hackett London fragrances follows a disciplined process that mirrors the brand’s tailoring standards. Raw materials are selected from European farms and established overseas growers, with a particular emphasis on responsibly harvested oud, citrus from the Mediterranean, and marine notes derived from sustainable marine extracts. The house contracts with a French fragrance house that handles the blending, ensuring that each batch meets strict olfactory criteria before release. Quality control includes multiple sensory evaluations by both perfumers and brand representatives, a practice that echoes the multiple fittings a suit undergoes before final approval. Bottles are manufactured in glass facilities that specialise in high‑clarity, thick‑walled containers, providing both visual heft and protection for the perfume. Caps are machined from reclaimed wood or brushed aluminium, reflecting Hackett’s dedication to understated luxury. Every step – from ingredient vetting to final packaging – is documented, allowing the brand to trace the provenance of each scent and maintain consistency across yearly releases. This meticulous attention to detail positions the fragrance line as a natural extension of Hackett’s reputation for precision and durability.
Design Language
The visual language of Hackett London fragrance mirrors the brand’s menswear identity: clean lines, muted palettes and a subtle nod to heritage. Bottles feature a rectangular silhouette with softened edges, reminiscent of a classic pocket watch case, and are finished in clear or lightly frosted glass to showcase the liquid’s hue. Labels employ a serif typeface that echoes the brand’s logo, set against a deep navy or charcoal background, reinforcing the connection to British tailoring fabrics. Caps often incorporate brushed metal or polished wood, materials that age gracefully and hint at the craftsmanship of a well‑made shoe or belt. The overall packaging is deliberately restrained; there are no overt glitter or loud graphics, only a tactile experience that invites the hand to linger. In retail settings, fragrance displays sit alongside clothing racks, using the same dark wood shelving and brass fixtures found in Hackett’s boutiques, creating a seamless transition between scent and style. This cohesive aesthetic reinforces the idea that fragrance is an integral part of a gentleman’s wardrobe, not an afterthought.
Philosophy
Hackett London treats fragrance as an extension of its sartorial philosophy. The brand believes that a well‑chosen scent should complement the structure of a garment in the same way a pocket square finishes a jacket. Its creative vision is anchored in authenticity: each composition draws on a specific London moment – a rainy walk along the Thames, the hum of a late‑night tube, the crisp air of a Regent’s Park morning. The label values restraint over extravagance, preferring clear, focused accords that speak directly to the wearer. Sustainability also informs its approach; ingredients are sourced from suppliers who meet recognised environmental standards, and packaging is designed for durability and recyclability. Hackett’s fragrance team works closely with independent perfumers, allowing the brand’s heritage narrative to guide the brief while leaving room for artistic interpretation. The result is a line that feels both timeless and contemporary, mirroring the brand’s broader commitment to delivering classic style with a modern edge.
Key Milestones
1983
Jeremy Hackett and Ashley Lloyd‑Jennings open the first Hackett store on King’s Road, London.
1995
Hackett launches its flagship Savile Row boutique, cementing its reputation in British tailoring.
2022
The brand releases its inaugural fragrance, Bespoke, marking the start of Hackett London’s perfume line.
2024
English Oud is introduced, expanding the collection with a focus on rare oud sourced from sustainable farms.
2025
Nightwalk and Marine Blue debut, adding nocturnal and maritime themes to the portfolio.
2025
Hackett opens a new boutique on Berlin’s Kurfürstendamm avenue, bringing its fragrance range to the German market.
At a Glance
Brand profile snapshot
Origin
United Kingdom
Founded
1983
Heritage
43
Years active
Collection
1
Fragrances released
Avg Rating
4.3
Community sentiment
Release Rhythm