Hound & Hare: British Luxury, Southern Charm
Hound & Hare is a Kentucky retailer and brand that epitomizes sporting revelry, the British countryside, and the great outdoors. Get to know the founder and his unique vision to bring the best gear and styles to the field and beyond.
Since he was ten years old, Eric Nicholas has basked in the outdoors. Much of his time in, and adoration of, nature was instilled in him by his father. At a seminal turning point in his life, Eric left corporate America to refocus on the great outdoors. He founded a sporting apparel company that’s making major waves in the equestrian, hunting, and fashion worlds. Think rich leather riding boots and handsome jackets full of functional pockets. But also felt feathered hats and silk floral scarves.
Between the coveted brands they stock and their own ever-evolving Hound & Hare line, demand is soaring. This past year, Hound & Hare outfitted Team USA and Team Canada at the World Equestrian Games in Italy. They sponsored both the Kentucky Three Day Event and the Maryland 5 Star. No big deal! Eric manages all of Hound & Hare’s day-to-day, from design to marketing to shipping. We’re thankful he had time to dive deeper into this exquisite brand with us.
Tell us a bit about Hound & Hare’s founding story.
In 2014, I reached a turning point in my life. Sadly, my father and long-time hunting partner and mentor passed away from ALS. After the loss of my dad, I felt that “someday” had arrived, and it was time to make a change. After 17 years in corporate America, I left my job to follow my dreams of developing a company that would allow me to share my passion for fine guns, quality accessories for the field, and clothing that reflected the sporting life and the British countryside.
Since our official launch in 2017, we have strived to provide products that have been designed and produced by craftsmen who share a commitment to supreme quality and innovation. These craftsmen respect the sporting heritage and traditions that influence the design and the selection of materials to create products that will last a lifetime.
The hope is that these items will remind you of a trip taken or a vacation planned and will inspire you to travel often, spend more time in the field, and extend that ride with your horse a bit longer.
Your products are curated to have both form and function, which I think is why so many people love Hound & Hare. How have you sought to combine these two ideas?
In general, equestrians and sporting men and women are classic and traditional people. I think timeless style and materials appeal to them. From the beginning, we have focused on providing women with British-inspired sporting pieces that are flattering as well as functional. For example, the Albany Upland [a classic hunting vest] is designed to maintain a flattering fitted style, yet with robust materials and pockets for cartridges and game.
Slow fashion has become much more accepted by many men and women. The concept of buying fewer clothing items of superior materials and construction has become increasingly appealing in a throw-away society.
What informs or inspires you when it comes to picking new brands and lines to carry?
I am Kentucky born and bred, but I have always been an anglophile. I have always loved fine English tweeds, leather accessories, and the best British shotguns. All are wonderful examples of British craftsmanship. We spend time at both internationally attended equestrian events and in the sporting world, and I think it gives us a unique perspective when it comes to fashion and brands that may appeal to our customers.
Where do you love to spend days off in Kentucky? Abroad?
Amy and I love to travel and will be heading to England and Wales this November for product research as well as some fun. Often, travel overseas has been to meet with the brands and learn more about the products. Time off in Kentucky is often spent in Somerset, where Amy and I both grew up and went to high school, visiting family.
Do you strive to keep your work things merely professional? Or do work, play, and family tend to blur together?
One of my desires when I started Hound & Hare, was to spend more time in places I liked to be, doing the things I’m passionate about. As a result, it tends to blur together. Often, events are for us to also catch up with other brands and find out what is new with their business. We enjoy supporting other like-minded brands and love to see others succeed. We have been blessed to meet so many great people who have become friends in both the equestrian and sporting world.
Thanks, Eric, for chatting. Hunter, rider, or not, take a look at the Hound & Hare collection at HoundHare.com. It might make you want to take up a new hobby or just emulate the lovely lifestyle.
*********
Give your inbox the Southern makeover it deserves! Subscribe to our daily emails HERE!
Zoe Yarborough
Zoe is a StyleBlueprint staff writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant of eleven years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.