Written by Peter Brooker in New Collections on the 10th May 2016

Men’s leisurewear brand Hamilton and Hare announce their first ever design collaboration. The brand have partnered with boxing legend Joe Calzaghe to create a capsule sportswear collection which has now launched and is available from Selfridges, the Hamilton and Hare website and the new flagship store in Chiltern street.

Brand founder, Olivia Francis, believes that Joe Calzaghe is the right person to work with as they expand their offering into athleisurewear and she wanted to create clothing that incorporates their masculine aesthetic and clean design with Calzaghe’s incredible performance and fitness expertise. Calzaghe is the longest-reigning super-middleweight world champion in history, having held the WBO title for over ten years and making 21 successful defenses before relinquishing the title to move up to light-heavyweight.

If you think about it, what other boxers could Hamilton and Hare have partnered up with? To forge a collaboration capsule that truly reflects the brands ideology. Tyson - a bit tattooy. Bruno - a bit bonkers. Eubank - a bit haughty. Groves - a bit ginger. 

"We’re so excited to work with such a boxing legend as Joe Calzaghe. His commitment, determination and attention to detail are qualities we admire and adhere to ourselves. In the same way that Joe transcends both his sport and his generation as an inspirational hero, this collection transcends a single category to combine sportswear and leisurewear offering uniquely versatile pieces with a modern, masculine aesthetic." - Olivia Francis

The first brand collaboration will feature details that represent Calzaghe’s superstitions in the ring. His ‘black only’ uniform became a visual mantra during his career as he continued to win and reached his undefeated status. This is why Hamilton and Hare have introduced black into the collection for the first time since they started. The strong branding includes Calzaghe’s distinctive Celtic cross, tattooed on his knockout arm; a symbol of his faith and of Wales and an icon recognised by his fans.

Prices for the new collection start at £50 and key pieces include: Sleeveless Sweat £125, Mid Zip Hooded Sweat £175, Box Sweat Short £125, Workout Overlock Tee £50. 

"I love the brand and the British boxing connection so the partnership felt very genuine to me. These products feel special to wear and I love the fit and the fabrics - it's great to be working together." Joe Calzaghe.

Brand founder Olivia Francis has partnered with Joe Calzaghe for the new Hamilton and Hare 2016 men's athleisurewear collection.