Had he lived, American rock musician Jimi Hendrix would have celebrated his 80th birthday on November 27th, 2022. He had been a customer of Mr Fish, the legendary swinging sixties designer who also dressed Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and a host of other rock stars of the period.
Jimi Hendrix at 34 Montagu Square, London (1967)
In 1967, Hendrix lived at 34, Montagu Square, in London's West End. The location is the current home of the Mr Fish brand, from where a special collection of eight velvet jackets, trousers and silk shirts have been designed to pay homage to Hendrix and commemorate the eight decades that have elapsed since his birth.
Although his mainstream career lasted only four years, Jimi Hendrix is regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists of all time, and became the world's highest paid performer before his untimely death in London on September 18th, 1970, aged just 27.
Jimi Hendrix at The Marquee Club, London (1967)
Jimi Hendrix was not only the most celebrated rock artist of his time, he also became something of a style icon. He is undoubtedly remembered for wearing the vintage, fur-trimmed, British Hussars pelisse jacket - a look that was adopted by Mick Jagger and others in the late 1960s. Hendrix often paired this tunic with another staple item from his wardrobe, velvet trousers.
Velvet was a key element of Jimi's elaborate yet laid-back style. He wore jackets, trousers and complete suits made from the sumptuous fabric, in peacock blue, crimson and scarlet. This plush cloth forms the centrepiece of the Mr Fish collection of made-to-order clothing that has been influenced by his inimitable flair.
Jimi Hendrix photographed in London (1968)
Hendrix completed his trademark look with psychedelic silk shirts, in florals, paisleys and abstract designs, printed in vivid colours that struck harmony with his velvet tailoring. The Mr Fish collection incorporates limited edition pure silk fabrics that have been used to create the range of Hendrix-inspired shirts, with the same luxurious prints utilised as linings for the velvet jackets.
Burgundy Velvet Jacket and Multicolour Paisley Print Silk Shirt
The eight velvet colour options and silk print variants can be made to the exact size and design specifications of the individual customer, offering the opportunity to create a style as unique as the man whose life we are celebrating.
Click here to view the collection.