Fashion icon hugh devlin’s legacy lives on: a new foundation to empower emerging talent
The industry reels from the sudden loss of Hugh Devlin, a legal titan who shaped the luxury landscape for over three decades. His passing has sparked an outpouring of grief, but also a determined commitment to continue his vital work of mentorship and advocacy.
A champion of creative dreams
Devlin, a formidable partner at Withers Worldwide and later operating independently through Delightfull, served as a trusted advisor to generations of designers, directors, and entrepreneurs – often pro-bono, and almost always without seeking payment. From emerging milliners to powerhouse brand CEOs, countless creatives relied on his sharp legal mind and unparalleled understanding of the industry.
“Don’t sign it!” – a phrase reportedly uttered frequently by Devlin – became a shorthand for his steadfast protection of talent. His sister, Tammy Kane, recalled his singular approach: “Hugh was unique in every way, a polymath who could in one phone call resolve and appease complex legal issues, while simultaneously finding you the best bespoke solution to another. His straight-talking and dry wit could make your anguish turn to laughter.”
Now, Sarah Polden, alongside a coalition of clients including Christopher and Tammy Kane, Anya Hindmarch, Charlotte Tilbury, and Sam McKnight, is launching The Hugh Devlin Foundation. This initiative will provide vital legal and financial guidance to young creatives, building on Devlin’s legacy of selfless support.
Protecting intellectual property, building sustainable careers
The foundation’s focus will center on critical areas for emerging designers: intellectual property protection, commercial contract advice, and employment law. Foundation member Graham Webster, a former mentee at Withers, emphasized the need for accessible expertise: “Accessibility is a real issue. It pushes people to cheaper options.” He cautioned against relying solely on AI-generated legal advice, noting the nuanced knowledge required within the creative sector.
“The key advice that young designers need is around IP and brand protection, closely followed by commercial contract advice and employment advice,” Webster stated. “For our industry, so much still runs on personality and learned experience. Hugh believed that the law is a tool. We are here to translate how it works, to give it context, to fight, and to give creative talent the tools they need to make an informed decision.”
Suzi Sendama at Level Law highlighted the potential risks of foregoing legal counsel: “The danger comes in the decision to go without advice or to rely on ChatGPT’s ‘view’. I know relatively well-known names in Fashion who regularly wing it with contracts, because they don’t feel that their business can absorb the level of legal fees that would be incurred if they instruct someone. It’s one of the many reasons why the foundation has been established, to provide access to the advice needed without the potentially otherwise inaccessible price tag.”
The foundation aims to provide a holistic perspective, moving beyond mere legal compliance to nurture a deeper understanding of brand strategy and sustainable business practices. “Giving advice that is just 100% legal isn’t ever going to help a client in reality. Understanding the nuance and mechanics of an industry, the nature of the work as well as the people involved is crucial in providing meaningful support to a client and helping them navigate any situation,” Basheer observed.
Ultimately, The Hugh Devlin Foundation represents a powerful testament to his commitment – a lasting tribute to a man who understood that championing creativity meant more than just wielding a legal pen.