THE HAWK is an independent journal dedicated to the culture of dress.

Through essays, conversations and visits to workshops across the world, it documents the artisans, ateliers and manufacturers whose knowledge gives form to clothing, footwear and the objects of personal dress.

From the Editor

"Every country possesses its own excellence in dress.

Some are recognised for tailoring, others for shoemaking, leather, textiles, knitwear, embroidery, jewellery or specialist manufacture. These distinctions are neither incidental nor interchangeable. They are the result of particular histories, material knowledge and standards of making that have become inseparable from the places in which they developed.

THE HAWK is dedicated to documenting these exceptions.

Each issue, essay, article examines a country through the people, workshops, manufacturers and institutions that have defined its contribution to the culture of dress. The publication is concerned with those whose work represents a recognised standard of excellence, whether established over centuries or achieved through contemporary innovation."

Lucretia Sandu
Founder, The Hawk

All Posts

Textiles Do Not Deteriorate Suddenly

The deterioration of textiles is rarely the result of a single event. In most cases, it is a gradual process influenced by environmental conditions, handling, storage and the natural ageing of fibres. Damage often becomes visible only after years of slow and cumulative change. By the time fading, distortion, fibre weakness or structural failure can be observed, the processes responsible have frequently been active for a considerable period. For this reason, conservation place

Lucretia Sandu

2 min read

The Lifecycle of a Garment Begins After Acquisition

The acquisition of a garment is often regarded as the conclusion of a purchasing decision. In practice, it marks the beginning of its lifecycle as part of a collection. From the moment a garment enters a private wardrobe, it becomes subject to a series of decisions that will determine its condition, longevity and future relevance. How it is documented, stored, maintained, repaired and ultimately integrated into the collection has a greater influence on its lifespan than the p

Lucretia Sandu

2 min read

Documentation as Preservation: Why Every Significant Wardrobe Requires Accurate Records

A garment cannot be preserved if its existence is unknown. This principle has long been understood by museums, archives and private art collections. Before an object can be conserved, insured, transported or studied, it must first be documented. Its existence, location, condition and history must be recorded with accuracy. The private wardrobe has rarely been approached with the same discipline. Despite often representing decades of acquisition, considerable financial investm

Lucretia Sandu

2 min read

From the Editor

"Every country possesses its own excellence in dress.

​

All Posts

Textiles Do Not Deteriorate Suddenly

The Lifecycle of a Garment Begins After Acquisition

Documentation as Preservation: Why Every Significant Wardrobe Requires Accurate Records