Whether you are looking for barefoot chic or superyacht glamour, luxury sunglasses brand Taylor Morris offers a diverse range of stylish holiday eyewear. YACHT-A-PORTER talks sunglasses and superyachts with Co-Founder Hugo Taylor.
Why sunglasses?
Since I was about 12 years old I have loved sunglasses. I spent most summers in Italy with my family and was always looking in shops at different brands and designs. I remember crying for about two days once when I lost a pair of my favourite sunglasses fishing off the coast of Isle of White.
How long have you been designing and how did it all begin?
We started Taylor Morris in 2013, but Charlie Morris and I had been talking about doing it for at least two years before that. I have always had a passion for arts, design and beauty. I studied History of Art at The Courtauld Institute, which I believe gave me and understanding and appreciation of what creativity can mean.
Who was/is your mentor?
I base most of what I respect in life on Ralph Lauren and Keith Richards.
Ambition or talent: which matters more?
There is a saying by Calvin Coolidge which I think perfectly answers this: “Talent will not: nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not: the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent”.
What to pack for the ultimate summer superyacht charter?
I love trunks from Havlock Bay and linen shirts from 120% Lino. For skin care I recommend Clinique. They have so many great men's products to stop you looking like a dried piece of fruit. And, every gentleman needs smart luggage, so for that its always Aspinal of London (pictured below).
Beach to bar – any advice?
I detest sitting in wet trunks. So I always bring dry cotton shorts with me. LOVE BRAND do great ones. Always make sure to down a bottle of water as well. Dehydration is the quickest way to ruin a fun afternoon.
What accessories would you take to wear during the day?
I do really like watches but don’t believe in spending an absolute fortune (unless you have it, then crack on). I recently got a Tag Heuer Calibre 16 Aquaracer (pictured below). I love it and it’s the perfect holiday watch. Naturally, I am never without at least two pairs of sunglasses from Taylor Morris. Something polarised with a category 3 lens for the bright midday sunshine, and then something with a slightly lighter lens for around sunset. Protecting your eyes is vital and medically recommended by any optometrist.
Absolute no no’s on board?
Breaking wine glasses. It ruins the fun for everybody.
Where is your favourite cruising area?
My fiancé and I spent last summer cruising around Halkidiki in Greece on board a charming 27-metre gentleman’s yacht. It was so beautiful and calm with loads of uninhabited islands and beaches where you can play Governor for the day.
Favourite yacht?
That’s such a hard one to answer. I would have to insist on having two. I would like to have Venus (79-metre Feadship pictured left) for the Caribbean, and then probably Symphony (101.5-metre Feadship pictured below) for the Mediterranean. Both are immensely beautiful in their own respective ways.
Bucket list adventure?
Follow the Rolling Stones on a global tour and to cross the Pacific Ocean.
Best water toys on board and ashore?
A Martini.
What is your inspiration for current and future collections?
Our upcoming “Nomad Collection” (pictured below) arrives in February and is inspired by the feeling that you get when you travel a lot and are constantly in a new location. Style changes from country to country, so this collection is a homage to all the amazing collections around the world that Taylor Morris has taken us to.
For TAYLOR MORRIS latest collection visit taylormorriseyewear.com