We first saw Haulier International launch their incredible tote bags last year and we instantly fell in love with their ethos around enduring goods that last a lifetime. The brand is now expanding their product range and opening their first flagship store in Sydney. We spoke to founder and designer Jeremy Hershan about his future plans, why he chose to join the ArtsPay community, and what it means to do good in business.
Were you always a snappy dresser? When did you start getting into fashion?
I was brought up in a family of craftspeople (tailors, milliners, dress-makers) and my father was heavily involved in fashion and textiles on the business side. So I grew up around it.
I have always been passionate about clothing as far back as I can remember. I keenly observed what other kids and adults around me were wearing and marvelled at product design and details. I was passionate about film, music and skateboarding from early on and studied what my heroes wore and took inspiration from that.
It took me sometime to figure out design was the career path I wanted to follow but I ultimately studied Fashion Design at RMIT in Melbourne before moving overseas to pursue a career working for luxury brands.
Tell us about your inspiration for Haulier International?
HAULIER is about creating everyday utilitarian goods that are elevated through a luxury lens. Products that utilise traditional manufacturing techniques that get better with age and wear. Our brand philosophy is ‘Enduring Goods’ which represents our dual commitment to lasting quality and timeless style.
How do you pick your suppliers? Who do you want to work with?
We work with a network of mostly family-run manufacturers in Portugal, France and Italy that I have built up over time working for brands internationally. For the quality level we aspire to, Europe is still the place. We work with partners that pay their workers fairly and make highly specialised products using traditional techniques. We actively seek out these time-tested techniques that are often forgotten or overlooked in favour “efficiency”. We prefer to work slowly and produce in small quantities to avoid excess production and make the best possible products using the best possible materials.
How long will one of those tote bags last?
HAULIER goods are built to last. Our signature canvas is woven on antique shuttle looms that allow us to set the widths of the fabrics to the precise dimensions of our bags so there is zero cutting waste. These old looms are slow and arduous by today’s standards but result in a dense and durable fabric that you cannot re-create with modern technology. We go to these lengths with every product we produce, actively seeking out the best time-tested ways to make goods that will stand the test of time and become modern heirlooms.
Do you get much time to enjoy the arts in Sydney? What do you normally like seeing or experiencing?
Not nearly as much as I’d like to with a small business, outside consulting work and a family! But I make sure I get to a couple of things a year. I wouldn’t miss the chance to see a favourite touring act passing through and do my best to get to art exhibitions that pique my interest.
What made you decide to pick ArtsPay in the end? Did the aesthetic of the terminal matter?
When I learnt of the ethos behind Artspay, it really resonated with me. For our first retail store every little touch-point of the experience had to be considered and the Arts is an area we are passionate about as a brand. We were excited to be able to support such an innovative initiative and like-minded small business. I would be lying if I said the aesthetic of the terminal didn’t matter so it was a bonus that it was sleek and nicely considered.
What is next for the brand? Where do you see yourself in the next 2 years?
Continuing to make the best possible products and sharing these with our customers. We are focussed on building our community here in Australia through our new Sydney flagship while also building the brand’s presence internationally.