Harris Wharf London

the story behind


There is a story behind every brand. In our category ‘Behind the Brand’ the designers share their candid insight about their inspiration, the production process, and the people behind the brand. We sat down with Giulia Acchiardi of Harris Wharf London, a contemporary outerwear outerwear brand. 

Curious for more? Read further. 

What was the initial idea behind Harris Wharf London? How did it all begin in 2009?
When I graduated in London, I was interning at Alexander McQueen and I felt inspired to carry on with our family business.

My brother Aldo and I decided to open our own multibrand shop in the Camden passage, called Workshop. There, I started designing our Harris Wharf London collection, which is named after a favorite spot where we live in London, keeping the production it in our family factory in Italy.

How would you describe the aesthetic identity of Harris Wharf London?
Essential, understated and timeless.

Harris Wharf London is known for contemporary outerwear. Where do you find inspiration for your collections? What makes the material virgin wool so special?
Yes, Harris Wharf London is known for contemporary outerwear with raw edges crafted in knitted virgin wool. This fiber confers to our garments the high quality that we need. Combined with its knitted-felted it naturally helps with transpiration and isolation, making it a very easy fabric to wear.

I find inspiration in architecture and interior design.

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“I can tell you I spend a lot of time trying prototypes on and testing them, that’s the only way I can tell if the shape is the right one.’’

 

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Fashion businesses runs in the family. When did your interest in fashion start?
I have always been attracted to fashion; I love to know how things are made and most of all I love to be able to create something I need.

Who is your ultimate style icon of all time?
Coco Chanel. She was the first person to use jersey material.

In what kind of item(s) should everyone invest?
A coat.

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How do you want women to feel when they wear Harris Wharf London?
Confident, comfortable and effortlessly smart.

What is your favorite part about being a designer?
The fabric research and the color choice.

How does a day at the Harris Wharf London atelier look like?
They are all very different, it depends on the moment of the design process.

I can tell you I spend a lot of time trying prototypes on and testing them, that’s the only way I can tell if the shape is the right one.

What is your greatest accomplishment with Harris Wharf London?
When I saw Michelle Obama wearing one of our coats.

“One of my favorite styles is the double breasted coat with dropped shoulders. Recently I prefer to wear it oversized. I feel this coat looks very contemporary in the pressed wool and rustic yet cool on the boiled wool.

 

What does Harris Wharf London contribute to sustainability?
We recycle the wool leftovers from production and keep a local supply chain as we work mostly with Italian fabric and a few Japanese exceptions…

in addition, every item is made to last as we do not run a fast fashion type of business.

Can you describe the fits of the Harris Wharf styles at Pauw?
The cocoon coat is our most classic style. It is flattering to all shapes. One of my favorite styles is the double breasted coat with dropped shoulders. Recently I prefer to wear it oversized. I feel this coat looks very contemporary in the pressed wool and rustic yet cool on the boiled wool.

The most versatile design is collarless coat, a true wardrobe essential. Imagine wrapping yourself up in a blanket, that’s the literal feeling I wanted to convey in this style of the blanket coat.

Any cool future plans you would like to share?
Enjoy my newborn daughter Margherita while developing the new collection!

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