Behind The Tapestry
The Daniel Hanson SS25 collection is inspired by the beauty of forgotten textiles; woven specialities crafted by generations.
The familiar feeling evoked by pure woollen, hand-woven imagery
For over three decades, Daniel Hanson products have epitomised luxury.
Each garment is produced at our Nottingham atelier and is cut individually by hand. A small team of 6 people constructs all of our products: they are known as some of the most highly skilled machinists and cutters in the UK.
We make the world’s best luxury dressing gowns and loungewear
The story of Nicholas Hanson’s adoration and obsession with the art of woven tapestry began during his studies at the Royal Academy of Fine Art in Antwerp.
Often discarded or available for a small fraction of their physical or emotional value (the cost of the pure woollen yarns and human hours taken to craft them), the art of tapestry is often overlooked within modern society and culture.
As an artist by nature, Nicholas found pieces of this nature fascinating, often displayed or left at the end of flea markets in central Antwerp at the weekend.
The first inspiration for this collection came in around 2016 when it struck Nicholas how interesting that the tapestry’s “wrong side” appears - and how it tells the story of the individual who crafts each piece…
…Look behind the yarns
The relationship between Nicholas Hanson & Paul Smith stems from an encounter between Nicholas and Sir Paul in 2023, facilitated by bespoke cutter Sam Sleath, the same year of Daniel Hanson's arrival at Savile Row.
“The last time I met Paul, I was just a child,” recalls Nicholas Hanson. “But meeting again as an adult, we talked about the artistry that continues to inspire us both.” This conversation, sparked by a shared love of fine craftsmanship, laid the foundation for what would become a unique fusion of their creative worlds.
Hanson’s passion for tapestry captivated Sir Paul Smith.
Drawing from his fascination with the often-overlooked “wrong side” of a tapestry—the chaotic, untamed yarns and colours, Smith encouraged Hanson to develop a concept to reimagine the tapestries into wearable art.
Paul Smith commissioned Daniel Hanson to create a stunning collection of double-sided silk prints made entirely in England, which celebrate the "work in progress" of the craft, blending heritage and modernity with a nod to fashion’s ever-changing nature.
The co-labelled collection includes dressing gowns, lounge sets, scarves, sleep masks, and more, each piece a testament to British craftsmanship and the ingenuity of midlands artistry from the UK: to bring an idea from a concept to a fully formed luxury item, is not something which just nay designer can bring to fruition. It takes a certain vision; and a fierce determination to share it with others…
“Behind The Tapestry reflects a shared vision: finding beauty in the discarded, and recontextualizing the offcuts”
The Daniel Hanson business is known around the world by those who know.
The truest sense of personality comes from within, but what we put on helps: “…The spirit of Daniel Hanson garments, is dressing for the occasion…”
Dressing for performance makes us feel ready to perform
“Rarely Seen Out Of The House”
CREDITS
Photography by Milo Enzo Franchi & Adrian Vitteleschi Cook
Featuring Martin Sommerville, Victor Camilerri & Caleb Kunle
Garment design & styling by Nicholas Hanson
Shoot direction and production by Nicholas Hanson
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All garments designed by Nicholas Hanson and manufactured in Nottingham
by The Daniel Hanson Design Partnership, with specific pieces commissioned by Paul Smith
With special thanks to Reagan Koslicki & Sam Sleath
Credit to Julie Hanson and all of the production staff at Daniel Hanson:
Chris, Gita, Jayne, Jenny, Rebecca & Steve