Name
Charlie Collingwood
Business
Henry Herbert Tailors
Location
London,UK
Website
Describe yourself in three words…
Dasher, Loyal, Inventive
Tell us about your background…
Well!....I think I'm reflective of the UK's dynamic and responsive economy, particularly London, which is very receptive and can be very supportive of new ideas of which I have tried many.
I say this because I studied Politics at University, but then launched a graphic design magazine in London, called Diplo magazine. It used design and illustration to discuss and present international affairs in a sexier way. I successfully published the magazine, which was available on news stands around the world, for three years and went onto to help launch Monocle magazine.
I then took a break from magazines - they are not good for your health, or your wallet - and went to join a Japanese consultancy as an Innovation Consultant. I then launched Henry Herbert Tailors; a scootering tailor service making handmade, bespoke English shirts and suits.
Tell us about what you do!
Today I am the creator and remain Managing Director of Henry Herbert Tailors. Running a business is a little like running a car engine - you have to make sure all the parts are oiled and working well togther in order to ensure a functioning and successful business.
That is very much how I see what I do...managing the seamstresses and tailors, the marketing, the creative marketing campaigns and everything else that is required to make sure everyone gets paid, the business can run smoothly and the business is growing. It often means I am the last to be paid though!
What inspired you to launch your own business?
Reversing my approach to assests and liabilties and making the liabilities work for me...thus a scooter based tailoring service.
What’s your proudest moment so far?
Being accepted by the traditional Savile Row fraternity as an innovator of a new and unique tailoring concept.
And your greatest project?
With Henry Herbert Tailors....convincing others, particulalry the traditionalists, that this can work.
Who or what inspires you?
The small businesses that have made it through the world's worst reccesion...they have done what Woolworths, Borders and some of the biggest names in retailing could not do.
What do you hope to be doing in five years time?
Professionally: Bigger, Better, Faster...and personally: have a family.
When you aren’t running your creative business, you are…?
Learing Arabic, playing tennis or the saxaphone and on girlfriend duty.
Anything exciting ongoing or in the pipeline?
Very! The first ever Kikoy jacket.
Finally, any words of wisdom to other creative people?
Three things: Cash is King, Retail is Detail and Don't be a Schmuck!
