Olivia Francis on the most important garment in your wardrobe | #044

HandCut Radio

This week, Aleks sits down with Olivia Francis, the founder of luxury men’s underwear and loungewear brand, Hamilton & Hare. Olivia is on a campaign to elevate men’s undies, and to get men thinking about the importance of their underwear drawer in a very different way; valuing quality, longevity and comfort every bit as highly as you would in a pair of shoes or a handmade suit.
We hear about her decision to leave advertising to establish her own business, talk about the highs and lows of life as a sole founder, and explore the art of making boxer shorts without compromise. Thank you as always for tuning in, we hope you enjoy the episode!
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HandCut Radio is produced by Birch, the London based creative office of James Allen. Our theme music is by Joe Boyd.
This episode is produced in partnership with Portman Marylebone, an elegant central London retail destination that is home to many of the city’s most characterful restaurants, galleries and independent fashion brands. Portman Marylebone has been meticulously maintained by the Portman Estate for just under 500 years.
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Show Notes:
Hamilton & Hare — Instagram | Website
Portman Marylebone — Instagram | Website
[04:20] M&C Saatchi
[06:20] SmileTrain Charity
[06:24] Mary McCartney
[19:48] Hamilton & Hare Wedding Boxer Short
[27:02] Walpole Brands of Tomorrow
[28:07] The Jackal Magazine [now defunct]
[28:30] Aleks’ Articles on Walpole
[28:58] Bremont
[28:59] Orlebar Brown