Essentials: Jakob Hetzer

For our latest installment of Essentials, we speak to Jakob Hetzer, a designer & creative consultant born in Detroit, raised in Germany, and now based in Los Angeles.

Having amassed a dedicated following early on through his unique personal style, often balancing refined simplicity with functional details and grit, he continues to interact with the community through his eponymous product line described as “- A CONVERSATION.” Delivering products that range from copper dye trucker jackets to goat skin gloves and handmade .925 silver jewelry, the label acts at a pace not determined by commercial standards, but by what is felt to be essential at the given moment.

Flowing freely between product, art, and fashion, Hetzer presents new ideas solely when they have been given time to mature and meet his stringent standards. Through years of working with clients and partners globally, he continues to develop his distinct tastes while documenting his developments. Parts of the blueprint can be found through JH – CURRICULUM, which offers exclusive content such as a bi-weekly literature column, JH projects, and musings from guest writers.

Follow us below as we get a glimpse into the life of the enigmatic creative through his carefully selected Essentials picks which include objects from JH and everyday wares reflecting his current lifestyle.

Visvim Black Elk Flannel

Rashaun Richardson

I’ve had this thing for years, it’s been through a lot. A comfortable and sophisticated (enough) daily driver.

1990s Carpe Diem Boots

Rashaun Richardson

My most worn footwear, endlessly robust. Comfortable during long days, yet strong enough to withstand the pressures of a motorcycle.

JH – DARTCAP – BLACK

Rashaun Richardson

We released this hat in late 2020 as an attempt at creating a comfortable & athletic hat, that feels and looks a bit more discreet. So far it’s stood the test of time for me.

JH – SYLLABUS

Rashaun Richardson

This is a fairly recent item of ours. I was unable to find a silk scarf that looked subtle enough, yet felt meaningful, so we began working on our own. It comes in handy a lot whilst traveling, riding, etc. We’ve managed to create somewhat of an educational manifesto to distort & print on this piece. I’ve found joy in deciphering it in its obscured form.

Carol Christian Poell Self-Edge Vest Bag

Rashaun Richardson

Maybe my most useful garment. Worn almost daily for over 5 years, it’s picked up quite a nice color from exposure to the sun, wind, etc.

Could you talk us through the idea behind your label’s 2022 “Quintet” series and what you have planned for the future of JH?

The concept for JH – QUINTET was to reimagine historical patterns, using modern tailoring materials and finishes, then present them in sculptural form. We rarely release more than one item at a time, yet sometimes a concept is worth expanding on for a larger set of products. There are constant developments at JH, we are usually working on multiple projects at once, then publishing as the work permits. Currently, we are working on an exciting international cooperation, as well as an entirely new medium that we are looking forward to exploring.

How deeply have you found your daily wares affecting your experience of the world?

I think I’ve done a good job at finding a uniform that I don’t have to worry about, I don’t want my clothing or daily carry to be top of mind. Reliable product should not take up mental space — something we strive towards at JH as well.

What motivated you to take the leap in attending fashion school after business school? Did you find your formal studies beneficial to you in starting your own eponymous label?

I am not a firm believer in traditional education, I have jumped around between schools, gathering information as needed, until I felt ready to move on. I am grateful for my split education between business & fashion school, though I don’t think one should rely too heavily on either.

Could you walk us through your day-to-day? Would you describe your lifestyle as regimented?

My day-to-day is all over the place, lots of travel, and lots of new challenges. As a result of that, I try to give myself as much structure as I can with a strict morning routine. Waking up early, meditation, stretching, exercise. My lifestyle is very inconsistent, yet disciplined.

We spot the special-edition JLC Reverso. Have you been getting more into watches lately?

In the last few years, my interest in watches has actually been on a bit of a decline, I’ve found the market and public interest to be quite oversaturated. I’ve gotten rid of a few more severe watches and stick to a fairly condensed collection now. This Reverso Tribute (on a Nato strap) is a good inconspicuous beater.

What have you been listening to or reading as of late. Do you consume most of your content online?

I’ve been listening to a lot of REM, lots of Vatican Shadow, it’s always a broad spectrum. As for books, I like to switch between old classic literature and modern non-fiction, jumping from Albert Camus to Hans Ulrich Obrist, etc. I do consume lots of media online, as my job demands. I try my best to offset it with physical literature & organic instinct.