In conversation with Giulia Acchiardi, the creative soul of the brand
Timeless designs, trans-seasonal features, pieces made to last. The world of Harris Wharf London – the brainchild of Turin-born but Londoners by adoption siblings Giulia and Aldo Acchiardi, mixing & matching textile artisan tradition and international influence – is designed for a contemporary, smart, and sustainability-oriented woman. Minimalistic collections, featuring unlined outerwear and sharp edges, in an effortless interpretation of traditional cuts and shapes. A well-structured sustainability process that begins with the careful selection of first-hand fabrics, meeting traceability and technical compliance requirements, then continues with a digital cutting system that allows maximum efficiency in fabric consumption, and ends with the shipping of waste materials to a specialized consortium for recycling. We met Giulia Acchiardi, founder and designer of the brand.
Can you tell us about the inspirations, materials, and trends of the next collection?
It will be a smaller and more focused collection; we have introduced a fresh summer palette of full-bodied colors in contrast with earthy tones. We are very excited to present our new womenswear and menswear pieces. For her, suits include blazers with padded shoulders with a built-in structure, accentuating a more distinct silhouette, and a new style of light and summer dresses. For him, lightweight, deconstructed summer jackets in jersey and minimalistic waterproof spring outerwear.
How was the Harris Wharf London brand born?
I graduated in Fashion Design in London in 2008. After an internship at Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, I decided to create my own label with my brother Aldo, who was studying Economics at the time. Our roots are in Turin, but London is the city where we have grown up professionally. We opened our first multi-brand store in Angel, Islington, and launched Harris Wharf London in 2010.
What is your first fashion-related memory?
The excitement I felt on my first day as an intern at Alexander McQueen, my first work experience in London.
What changes has the lockdown we just experienced (and, in part, are still experiencing) brought about in style and personal care?
We have had to adapt to new virtual ways of meeting, with customers too. We have become more aware of the importance of longevity and sustainability when it comes to the clothes we wear, which luckily are elements that are already part of our collection.
What is the emotion you have been feeling the most in recent months?
Patience, presence, and flexibility. Uncertainty can drive stress to incredibly high levels, both personally and professionally. It is important to be able to live the moments for what they really are, to predict the next steps better.
A style icon, past or present?
Peggy Guggenheim. With her unique style, her independence as a woman, and her passion for art.
Can you tell us about the inspirations, materials, and trends of the next collection?
It will be a smaller and more focused collection; we have introduced a fresh summer palette of full-bodied colors in contrast with earthy tones. We are very excited to present our new womenswear and menswear pieces. For her, suits include blazers with padded shoulders with a built-in structure, accentuating a more distinct silhouette, and a new style of light and summer dresses. For him, lightweight, deconstructed summer jackets in jersey and minimalistic waterproof spring outerwear.
How was the Harris Wharf London brand born?
I graduated in Fashion Design in London in 2008. After an internship at Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, I decided to create my own label with my brother Aldo, who was studying Economics at the time. Our roots are in Turin, but London is the city where we have grown up professionally. We opened our first multi-brand store in Angel, Islington, and launched Harris Wharf London in 2010.
What is your first fashion-related memory?
The excitement I felt on my first day as an intern at Alexander McQueen, my first work experience in London.
What changes has the lockdown we just experienced (and, in part, are still experiencing) brought about in style and personal care?
We have had to adapt to new virtual ways of meeting, with customers too. We have become more aware of the importance of longevity and sustainability when it comes to the clothes we wear, which luckily are elements that are already part of our collection.
What is the emotion you have been feeling the most in recent months?
Patience, presence, and flexibility. Uncertainty can drive stress to incredibly high levels, both personally and professionally. It is important to be able to live the moments for what they really are, to predict the next steps better.
A style icon, past or present?
Peggy Guggenheim. With her unique style, her independence as a woman, and her passion for art.