For the inaugural post of our series dedicated to the labels we love, we speak to father and son design duo Casely-Hayford. Since its inception, Casely-Hayford has explored the intriguing duality of English sartorialism and British anarchy and has been stocked at Hostem since the boutique first opened. To celebrate the new season, the designers invited us to their East London studio for a pint and a chat about their A/W11 collection and most treasured possessions.
What was the first thing you designed together as Casely-Hayford?
Charlie: The ‘Belvoir coat’. It’s a reversible coat that best highlights the brand’s duality. One side was a traditional tweed English walking coat, the other when the collar is removed resembles a skinhead’s light weight cotton coat. It’s become a staple item ever since the first season.
Could you draw your most treasured possession?
Charlie: My moleskin notebook.
Joe: My HB pencil.
How would you best describe the English gentleman?
Charlie: Refined, modest with an assured confidence.
Joe: Understated, with natural flair and style, always ahead of, yet outside fashion.
What’s on your coffee table at the moment?
Charlie: Auguste Sander’s Homme du XX Siecle.
Joe: Pieter Hugo’s Permanent Error.
What is the most recent thing you have crafted?
We have just crafted a selection of exclusive hand made suits for stores in Japan.
What is your favourite pub in London?
Charlie: The Scolt head in De Beauvoir.
Joe: Still the French house in Soho since my days at St Martins.
What is the most played song in your studio?
Anything by Youth Lagoon and Panda Bear. Right now we’re playing Shadows on Behalf by Step Kids.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received from each other?
Charlie: If opportunity doesn’t coming knocking, build a door. Life is what you make it, don’t wait around for things to happen.
Joe: to look more closely at my own back catalogue rather than always looking forward.
Who/What inspired you for your A/W11 collection?
The collection started out with a discussion about the coalition government and the divide in society that seemed to be growing exponentially. We looked at the social uniforms from inner city council estates and country estates – crafting hybrids between the two.
What is your favourite look from your AW11 collection?
Charlie: The sheepskin collar coats which were crafted in Japan were the highlights of the season for me – masculine outwear with subtle detailing
Joe: I like the patchwork Puffa a lot, the design is very Casely-Hayford simultaneously new and classic.
