Hardy Amies
(1909-2003)
Edwin Hardy Amies was born in London on July 17, 1909. In 1934 he worked as a designer at Lachasse, a sportswear shop whospecialized in custom-made daywear designed for members of the British upper classes. During World War II, Amies served as a liaison to the British and Belgian armies and contributed designs to the Government Utility Scheme, raising money for the war effort by selling clothes for export to America. He was a founding member of the incorporated society of London Fashion Designers and served as the society’s chairman from 1959-1960.
In 1945 Amies founded his own house on Savile Row. Within two years the new business was half the size of the couture business. In 1950, Amies received his first order from the future Queen Elizabeth II. In 1955, he successfully applied for the coveted royal warrant, which he obtained and held until his death. This position gave him international standing, attracted prestigious clients such as Princess Michael of Kent and Diana, Princess of Wales.
Amies entered the men’s wear market in 1959, when he designed a range of silk ties for Michelson’s. In 1961, he designed a collection for Hepworths, a middle-market multiple tailoring group. Amies sold Hardy Amies, Ltd., to Debenhams in 1973 to develop a ready-to-wear business but bought the company back in 1980.
In 1962 he received the Harper’s Bazaar Award; in 1965 he received the Sunday Times Special Award. In 1977, Hardy Amies was appointed a Commander of the Victorian order (CVO). In 1989 Amies received the British Hall of Fame Award and was honored with a knighthood. In 2001, at the age of ninety-three, Amies sold the company to Luxury Brands Group.
Hardy Amies died on March 5, 2003.
