A Lesson In Line: Interview with Kat and Mac of Pierrepont Hicks
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Yes, we've all heard the tired, but true, sage advice. So my question for you is why take the risk? What if there was an item that could make you look dapper in just about every situation? So Gentleman listen up, I'm going to tell you a trick of the trade that will change the way you dress. Just two simple words to remember and live by: Pierrepont Hicks.
I'm not the first to discover the glory of the PPH line, and I certainly won't be the last. These ties and bow ties are coveted by Gentlemen far and wide due to their unique two-tone aesthetic, fine fabric from all over the globe, and American skilled craftsmenship. With PPH Kat and Mac, the dynamic duo behind these American-made beauties, have created a brand that is accessibly masculine, yet sparkling with a nostalgic feel of Hollywood's Golden Years. Cary Grant would most certainly own this entire line. And then some.
Recently, Kat and Mac took time from their busy schedule to answer a few questions about the inspiration behind PPH, style influences, and how to wear these dapper pieces. The duo even attached a few pictures of different style pairings from their Mackers series. Pure genius.
1) I know it is on the website, but please tell us the story about how Pierrepont Hicks was born? And what is the inspiration behind the name?
Kat: I have always had a serious interest in menswear. Working at Ralph Lauren I enjoyed chatting with the Italian tailors who worked there. I find menswear to be a precise art, there can be such simple pieces that really make a statement – to me a tie is genius. So simple, but so significant.
The name is a secret. Let’s just say it is sentimental.
2) Kat, you have vast experience in fashion and publishing. Can you describe how those experiences translated into having a menswear accessory line?
When I worked at Gourmet, I learned about details. Conde Nast is an amazing organization, and the people who work there are truly pursuing excellence in all areas of art + style. I remember attending an event in the Gourmet Dining Room for clients, and everything was perfect: the place settings, flowers, obviously the food… it’s the little things that matter.
3) Mac, basically the same question as Kats, how did your previous experience in real estate assist you in starting this business venture? It’s interesting where life takes you because the real estate/construction industry really has nothing to do with the fashion world. Coming from a background in project management, my priorities were always schedule, budget and communication. The project management skills are easily transferable and have helped us out during this beginning stage with planning and production. Of course sometimes my analytical personality tends to be a bit much for Kat, but hey, opposites attract. We both learn from each other and make a great team.
4) Where do you both find influence and inspiration when creating each tie design? What do you look for when picking a fabric?
We look for something a little bit different, in our fabric combinations. Our Italian Silk + Wool blends are from dead stock, which essentially means a fabric that is no longer in production and limited for our use. We also use re-orderable fabrics as well from all over the world. We source through a contact in Italy as well. For our Spring Summer Collection be ready for some really different fabrics. Things not really seen with ties before… well – not the way we are doing it.
Kat: I find inspiration from nature, for example, I recently saw an amazing show on the Lofoten Islands of Norway, full of blues and fresh greens. I was inspired to create The Fergus Series from this one image I could not get out of my mind. Mac + I grew up fly fishing and it’s really just important for us to be out in the woods as much as possible. It’s peaceful, mind-clearing.
5) Could you name the ultimate Pierrepont Hick's style icon? Or icons?
Our Dads + good friends of course, Peter Beard, Cary Grant, Hemingway’s ‘Nick Adams’,
Robert Redford, Denys Finch Hatton, H.G. Tilghman – Kat’s Grandpa, Cary Grant, Gary Cooper,
Johnny Carson, Steve McQueen, Norm MacLean.
6) Do you think ties have to be limited to a suit or can they be dressed down with jeans? Could you give a few outfit options for the PH ties?
One of my favorite looks Mac wears is the Field Bowtie, plaid side out, with an army green military style shirt, wrinkled, with jeans + worn boots… the beauty of our ties is that they can be worn with almost anything. A bowtie is most definitely an aspect of your get-up that makes a statement. I like when guys wear bows that clash with their shirts, like plaid on top of a plaid… our summer line is going to have a lot of loud plaids for just that purpose.
Check out all the series: Field, Giles, Fergus, and Mackers at Pierrepont Hicks.
The Fergus bow tie is sublime.
seet jacket.
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