Skip to main content

Harold Tillman

Profession
Retail Entrepreneur and Investor
College
London College of Fashion
Person Type
alumni
Harold Tillman

Biography

Harold Tillman studied tailoring at LCF between 1962 and 1965 and says it was 'an inspiring education'. He is the owner of Allders of Croydon, the UK's third largest department store. Harold is a significant shareholder in BMB, the largest supplier of men's suits in the UK and has interests in a number of restaurants.

Interview

Back in 1967 Harold was the first retailer to hire a celebrity, using George Best to promote a youth clothing line and clearly has an eye for talent, giving Paul Smith his first break in the same year.

With his usual flare for looking forward, Harold has recently launched a £1million scholarship fund at LCF to ensure that some of the UK's best and brightest fashion students are not held back from making an exceptional contribution to the industry.

Why did you chose to study at LCF?

It held for me the complete skill set that I required to enable me to enter my chosen career.

What is your idea of a perfect Saturday?

A complete mixture of events mainly unplanned from sports through to business.

What is your most treasured possession?

My family.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

A complete business reputational recovery.

Sum up your LCF experience in three words.

An inspiring education.

Name three things you always carry with you?

Telephone, keys, diary.

What makes you happy?

Seeing people succeed.

What makes you sad?

Illness and failure.

Tell us a secret.

I know too many.

If you could give a prospective LCF student one piece of advice, what would it be?

Stick to your chosen course.

If you could have your time again would you study at LCF?

Yes.

Biggest fashion mistake?

Never made one.

What keeps you awake at night?

Jet lag.

Links

BA (Hons) Bespoke Tailoring

London College of Fashion

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7400

Address

105 Carpenter's Road
London

E20 2AR