Fouzul Hameed on 75 years of Hameedia, family, fashion and the future

 

• Fouzul Hameed on 75 years of Hameedia, family, fashion and the future

Men’s fashion in Sri Lanka has always been diverse, most likely because of our position as a global hub for trade, followed by our colonial history. 

Historically, men’s clothing in Sri Lanka was characterised by the sarong and formal attire such as the national dress, which remains significant during cultural and ceremonial occasions. Parallel to this is our Western fashion identity, which takes cues from both our understanding of and adherence to global dress codes as well as our island identity. 

Today, the men’s fashion space boasts many local brands catering to all kinds of menswear, from formal business attire to casual streetwear. Retailers have embraced modern retail practices, offering tailored experiences that include bespoke services and personalised styling consultations. 

But when it comes to formal and business attire, one name comes to mind – Hameedia, which has established itself as a leader in menswear since its inception in 1949. 

Known for its commitment to quality and style, Hameedia has become synonymous with sophisticated menswear solutions tailored for every occasion. The brand’s recent launch of its exclusive Global Wedding Collection was doubly significant because it also saw the brand mark 75 years. 

Over its 75-year history, Hameedia has evolved from a small family tailoring business into a leading brand, becoming a household name not only in Sri Lanka but also internationally, with a commitment to delivering premium clothing that meets the diverse needs of modern men. 

At the helm of this remarkable journey is Hameedia Managing Director Fouzul Hameed. With a deep-rooted passion for fashion and an entrepreneurial spirit, Fouzul has played a pivotal role in steering the brand towards new heights. 

Under his leadership, Hameedia has embraced modern retail strategies while honouring its rich heritage. Fouzul’s vision has not only transformed Hameedia into a contemporary fashion powerhouse but has also inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka.

The Sunday Morning Brunch sat down with Fouzul for some insight into Hameedia’s storied past, its growth trajectory, and the values that continue to drive the brand forward. 

Following are excerpts: 

Hameedia was started by your grandfather. What made you decide to join the family business?

Hameedia was actually started by my grand-uncle, my father’s uncle, who later handed it over to my father. As the business grew, my older brother joined, then I came in, and now all of my siblings are involved – we’re the third generation running the company. 

Initially, I did a lot of sports and was quite successful at it, but I couldn’t find a decent job afterwards. Thanks to my father, who had the shop, I joined him, and that gave me a path forward. I was always more interested in fashion. I even went to study fashion in Thailand but could only attend a few classes. 

Growing up in my father’s tailor shop, I naturally picked up knowledge about stitching, fabric, and cutting – it was in my blood. This helped me work with my father and design fashion. Joining him was like getting a PhD in Hameedia, especially in folded shirts, and I helped him develop the business.

How are you feeling about marking 75 years of Hameedia?

I feel great! To see Hameedia as a strong brand after 75 years is an amazing achievement. We’ve become a very ethical brand known for quality, and we’ve always striven to do the best for our customers, following our founder’s dream. 

Seventy-five years feel like a dream come true, and I’m grateful to my parents for building this brand and passing it down to us. Today, we’re like a big family with over 1,300 people working together, and we’re planning to celebrate this milestone during the Christmas season.

What has been your most memorable Hameedia moment?

There have been many memorable moments. One of the greatest was creating the Envoy London brand – a luxury brand that was a real gamechanger. We faced many challenges, but making that dream a reality was a major achievement. 

Another big moment was supporting Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup cricket team. No one thought they would win, but we motivated them by offering each player a full wardrobe if they won. Celebrating with them afterwards and fulfilling that promise was not only special but also brought great recognition to Hameedia. 

Building brand elements like Signature and FH, as well as starting our own factory to improve technical standards were other key achievements. International suppliers also recognised us for our world-class quality, which was a proud moment as they saw a brand in Sri Lanka that understood men’s fashion deeply.

What was your most challenging period and why?

The civil war was one of the most challenging periods for us, as we were expanding during a very stressful time. Political instability also made it difficult, leading to setbacks in business growth. Additionally, currency devaluation and inconsistent policies created obstacles, as there was no clear path for brands aiming to go global. 

Every government brought different policies that didn’t always support genuine business growth, which often disrupted progress and made it hard for the brand to move forward.

In terms of balancing family and business, what advice would you give to young family businesses?

Running a family business isn’t easy. It requires patience, strength, and confidence. As the third generation, I have to thank my parents for guiding us on how to manage the business fairly. 

My advice is never to be greedy and always prioritise good values and ethics – these pay off in the long run. Don’t take advantage of each other; otherwise, the business won’t last. I’ve seen many family businesses struggle because one person tried to take advantage. 

It’s crucial to put everything in writing, practice honesty, and respect each other. Regular meetings are also important to ensure clear communication and avoid misunderstandings.

What are your five biggest style tips for men?

Focus on quality. Don’t buy cheap items; quality shows class and adds value.

Get the fit right. The right fit makes you look good. Don’t wear clothes that are too tight or too loose unless you know it’s your style.

Stay updated with fashion. Fashion trends change, so buy clothes that are current rather than outdated.

Dress appropriately for the occasion. For example, if it’s for the office, maintain a professional look, even if the office culture is casual. Always be classy and elegant.

Don’t overdress. Understand the dress code, whether it’s for work, a party, or shopping. Avoid wearing overly tight clothes if it doesn’t suit the occasion, as proper attire boosts confidence.

What are the biggest trends you see in menswear in the near future?

Men’s fashion is evolving, with changes in jackets, pants, and shirts. Lapels are becoming larger – over 9 cm – and double-breasted styles are making a comeback. Baggy trousers with pleats, side buckles, fewer belts, and loose, comfortable pants are returning. Big collars and long-collar shirts will bring back a ’60s and ’70s look, which will create a significant change in men’s fashion.

source https://www.themorning.lk/articles/CgzsRm7Xx2V4WPObBHF6