Few figures in menswear embody the balance of tradition and evolution quite like Gianni Colarossi, Chief Product Officer at Hackett.
Half-Italian, half-British, and wholly immersed in the art of tailoring, Colarossi’s career has been defined by a devotion to craft that began in Florence and Rome, apprenticing under some of the world’s most revered bespoke masters.
It was there, surrounded by the rhythm of hand-stitching and the discipline of cut and fit, that he realised fashion would be his life’s work.
After formative years at Reiss during its meteoric rise – where he learnt how creativity must coexist with commerce – and a tenure at Duchamp honing tailored luxury, Colarossi arrived at Hackett to help shape its Savile Row collection.
Fast forward five years, and he now steers the entire brand, ensuring Jeremy Hackett’s original vision of British elegance continues to evolve for the modern man.
His philosophy is simple: style should respect heritage, but comfort and relevance must lead the way. Whether it’s a featherlight seersucker blazer or a navy flannel trouser that flexes between casual and formal, Colarossi champions garments that look impeccable and feel effortless. In his hands, Hackett is both timeless and timely.
David Gandy modelling the Hackett AW25 collection
Square Mile: How did your time in Florence and Rome, apprenticing under some of the world’s finest tailors, shape your approach today?
Gianni Colarossi: It shaped everything. I always loved art but coming out of art college in Edinburgh, I was still questioning exactly how I would use that going into a profession.
My time in Florence in particular completely moulded my career path. I was totally fascinated by everything that went into bespoke tailoring. It was an immediate hook that confirmed without any doubt that my career would be in fashion.
SM: Looking back, what did you take away from your years at Reiss during its rapid growth phase?
GC: I loved my time there, I was very inspired by the creative director and David Reiss himself. It was a real eye opener into fashion not just as a passion but as a business. I learnt a huge amount in those years.
SM: How would you sum up Hackett’s approach to British style in 2025?
GC: Well, as a British brand it’s important to keep the DNA of the brand and its roots from when Jeremy Hackett founded it. But British style, in fact, any style, is constantly evolving and we need to do the same.
We of course use British fabrics and patterns but they have to be interpreted for what the consumer demands. It has to be relevant to how men want to dress today.
SM: How do you balance tradition and innovation in Hackett’s collections?
GC: There will always be traditional elements to our collections, whether that’s in colour, fabrics, patterns or silhouettes. However, it's vital that we understand the man of today.
I take ‘comfort’ as an example. With modern living, work or travel, it’s more important than ever to have comfort in the garments you wear. That could be a completely unstructured jacket that almost feels like you are not even wearing a blazer. Or it could come from added movement and stretch in shirting or trousers.
It sounds obvious, but comfort has become a priority when putting our collections together
SM: What’s the single most important piece of advice you give men about dressing well?
GC: Ooft…! Clothing influences the way you feel, so wear what makes you feel good.
SM: Which item in your wardrobe gets the most wear — and why?
GC: In summer, it’s my seersucker navy Hackett blazer. The fabric is from Loro Piana – it’s what we call our ‘shirt jacket construction’. Super light and breathable, it’s literally my favourite go-to piece for the working week.
Then in winter, my Hackett London navy flannel trousers. I wear them with a sneaker when I’m casual or a smart shoe when I need to be more dressed up.
SM: What’s your biggest pet hate in men’s style?
GC: Each to their own, but wearing matching tie and pocket square. Not for me.
SM: Name the one piece every man should own before he turns 30.
GC: Our four-way stretch jersey shirt from our Savile Row Collection. The comfiest shirt you will ever wear.
SM: What’s the most underrated garment in a man’s wardrobe?
GC: This might surprise you but a well-fitted elegant navy T-shirt. We have a cotton-silk version in our Savile Row Collection and an elegant pima cotton one in the Hackett London collection. It’s a great underpinning for most outfits.
SM: London, Paris, or Milan – and why?
GC: I love all three for various reasons but as I’m half Italian I would have to say Milan, purely for the food and people. (Sorry, London!)
SM: Whose style (past or present) do you most admire?
GC: So many. Cary Grant, Sean Connery, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman. But the first name that sprung to mind was Gianni Agnelli; he perfected the art of imperfections. He created his own style by slowly breaking down the rules until he found what worked for him.
SM: What do you wear when nobody’s watching?
GC: We did a collaboration with David Gandy on lounge wear – the comfiest joggers ever. I put them on the second I get home.
SM: What’s the most treasured item in your wardrobe?
GC: It's from our Savile Row Collection: a double-sided cashmere coat. It’s completely unstructured, feels like butter and more like a long cardigan than a coat. It’s probably one of the only items that lives inside a suit carrier when it’s hung up in my wardrobe.
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