Introduction

To begin with a confession, I don’t own nearly enough accessories. Certainly not even half the amount I should or a third the amount I claim to. It seems an ironic statement given that on the day of this realisation a pair of Havana frame Persols frequented the breast pocket of my jacket. However, on a day where they dipped all-too-frequently in and out use, I also conceived that an umbrella probably would have been a better option – and I don’t own one of those. So what better what to remedy this assessment than to accept an invitation to Hackett’s unique concept store in Spitalfields, London to take part in their latest spring promotion.

Hackett x Aston Martin

Hackett has become synonymous with sport since first getting involved with polo in 1987 and rugby, The Boat Race and Le Mans (among others) subsequently after. One of the brand’s most successful pairings is found in Aston Martin, the wheels often beneath James Bond’s impeccably cut suit. The partnership is a perfect match when the lineage of both brands is considered. In the same year Jeremy Hackett and Ashley Lloyd-Jennings met on Portobello Road, an encounter that would eventuate in the opening of Hackett’s first store four years later, Aston Martin first put keys in the ignition of a vehicle christened the ‘Bulldog’. On equal parts it’s an illustration of the Britishness that underpins both establishments. For spring 2013, the duo are offering shoppers a chance to win one of four incredible prizes: from a racing kit containing a canvas bag, rugby shirt and leather card holder to an Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster (terms and condition state the latter is to be placed on a rota-basis with myself and other FashionBeans editors). In order to win one of these prizes, all visitors have to do is spend over £200 on Hackett goods in store or online. How much you spend determines your prize bracket. I was personally invited to join the Hackett team to pore over the latest stock (including the exclusive Aston Martin collection), play out how to enter the opening bracket and take part in a Q&A centred around my choices.