Interview with Michael Hill from Drake's
This season we are proud to welcome Drake’s back to Lund & Lund. A brand that has long inspired us with its unique blend of British craftsmanship and understated elegance. Within the coming weeks, a new Drake’s collection will arrive in our store. Ahead of this, we sat down with Michael Hill, Creative Director of Drake’s, to hear his reflections on the journey so far, the philosophy behind the collections, and what lies ahead for the brand.
Looking at Drake’s today, how would you describe the brand and the journey it has taken over the years?
Drake’s has always been about making beautiful, well-crafted things that are easy to wear and stand the test of time. We began with ties and accessories, but over the years the journey has been one of natural expansion, into shirting, tailoring, and casualwear, always with the same principles at heart. The aim has never been to chase trends, but to build a coherent wardrobe, one piece at a time, that feels both considered and approachable.
How do you view the brand’s heritage, and in what ways does it continue to shape what you do?
Heritage is something we take seriously, but not in an overly nostalgic way. Our design archive is a living thing, it informs what we do, but it doesn’t dictate it. We’ve always looked at classic British and American clothing, traditional workwear, military tailoring, Ivy League style, and reinterpreted those ideas in the Drake’s ethos: a little softer, a little more playful, but with real integrity. That foundation guides every decision we make.
Is there a particular product or collection that you feel especially proud of?
I think our Perennial shirts are something I feel very proud of. They’re made in our own factory in Somerset, by a team who have been with us for many years. There’s a level of care and consistency there that you simply can’t fake. Likewise, our tailoring project has been a very rewarding extension, bringing that same philosophy of easy, unstructured elegance into a full wardrobe.
The “Games” collection has become an important part of Drake’s—could you tell us more about how it came about and the role it plays within the brand?
The Games series was born out of a desire for tailoring that didn’t feel precious. Something you could throw on in the morning and not worry about. We were looking at military uniforms, safari jackets, chore coats, things that had a sense of utility, and reimagining them with our soft tailoring. The result was clothing that retained a smartness, but with an ease that felt right for how men dress today. It’s become a cornerstone of what we do.
Who is the Drake’s customer in your eyes?
The Drake’s customer is curious, independent-minded, and values quality. They’re not buying clothes to impress anyone else, but to enjoy for themselves. They might appreciate craft, they might have an eye for detail, but above all they want clothes that feel good to wear and that will last.
When creating a collection, what does the design process look like—and where do you tend to find your inspiration?
We tend to start with cloth. A fabric will spark an idea, and then we’ll begin to think about how it might work in different forms. Inspiration can come from anywhere: vintage pieces, old photographs, a film, a trip abroad, but it’s always filtered through our lens. We’re not interested in reproducing the past, but in making something that feels relevant and wearable today.
Looking back, was there a defining moment when you realized Drake’s had become more than just an accessories brand?
The moment we opened No. 3 Clifford Street, our Mayfair shop, was very important. It was the first time we could show a head-to-toe vision of Drake’s: shirts, ties, tailoring, outerwear, all under one roof. It was then that I felt we’d truly evolved from being an accessories brand to a maker of complete wardrobes. That feeling was compounded when we moved to 9 Savile Row, with all the history and pedigree that that entails.
How do you see the future of Drake’s, both as a brand and within menswear more broadly?
I think the future lies in continuing to do what we do best, making thoughtful clothes that people genuinely want to wear. Menswear will always move in cycles, but there’s a growing appreciation for things that are well made, versatile, and enduring. If we can keep building collections that feel true to our ethos, then we’ll continue to find our place in that landscape.
What do you think has been the key to Drake’s success so far?
Consistency and authenticity. We’ve never tried to be something we’re not, and we’ve always cared deeply about the product. That, and the people, we’re a small team, but everyone is invested in what we do, from the factory floor to the shop floor. I think that sincerity comes across, and people respond to it.
Our conversation with Michael offered a glimpse into the heart of Drake’s: a dedication to craft, authenticity, and a wardrobe that feels both timeless and personal. We are delighted to once again share their vision with our customers here at Lund & Lund. The new collection will be arriving in just a few weeks and we look forward to welcoming you in to discover it with us.
