High above the acacia crowns of the Kenyan steppe, the impressive animal herds of the Serengeti in view - a view for which Denys Finch Hatton climbs into his "Gipsy Moth" biplane as often as possible. But before the British aristocrat becomes a famous bush pilot, Finch Hatton is faced with a far-reaching decision: try to recover a lost fortune in England or break new ground - in the unknown African wilderness?
A TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA
An offspring of the aristocracy, a student at the famous Eton College - Denys Finch Hatton's life seems to have taken a regular, noble course at the beginning of the 20th century. But behind the chic façade, the first breaks are becoming apparent, as his ancestors gambled away a handsome fortune. The young Denys is faced with a choice: get a high school education and marry rich, or venture into something new.
In 1911, the 24-year-old Denys Finch Hatton embarked on a journey that would shape his life. He visits South Africa with relatives and is fascinated by the, for him, foreign continent. In the same year, his uncle left him a small fortune. Finch Hatton does not think twice and travels to today's Kenya to buy a farm there, without any previous knowledge, but with a great thirst for adventure. From then on, he spends most of his years in Africa, but not as a farmer - he leaves the local work to a partner, but as a big game hunter, safari guide, bush pilot and, for which he is probably still best known today, lover of Karen Blixen.
BEYOND AFRICA IN CAPE TOWN
His relationship with the Danish writer and coffee farmer Karen Blixen is what inspired the film "Beyond Africa". In 1985, this film is also released in the country that Denys Finch Hatton visited in 1911 and that changed his life: Kenya.
At this time, the young German Roger Brandts is in South Africa. Like Finch Hatton, he is also fascinated by the Black Continent - and by the life of the British adventurer, which he gets to know through the cinema film:
"When I did a 6-month internship in South Africa in the mid-1980s in preparation for my textile engineering studies and the film "Jenseits von Afrika" ("Beyond Africa") was released in cinemas during this time, I was captivated. Not only of this wonderful continent, but also of the person Denys Finch Hatton, played in the film by Robert Redford. A great man who took his liberties and loved the nature and wildness of Africa." - Roger Brandts
IN SEARCH OF ADVENTURE
With these impressions in his luggage Roger Brandts travels back to Germany. The fascination for Africa and the life of Denys Finch Hatton does not let go of him even years later. And so, in 1998, an idea was born: to start his own fashion line for men, with influences from South Africa. Honest and relaxed fashion instead of chic fashion, which would also appeal to Denys Finch Hatton.
"Africa is a great and diverse continent, in all areas. On the one hand, there is the eternal sun, the infinitely large sky, the untouched, wild nature and the special interplay of light and colors. With people who, despite many problems, never lose their laughter "Happy People" and for whom fashion simply means "back to basics". On the other hand there was the freedom-loving bon vivant Finch Hatton. He was an adventurer and always looked for the unusual, was open to everything. He did what he believed in, which is a real inspiration to the brand." - Roger Brandts
Why Fynch-Hatton?
The name is easy to find: Fynch-Hatton, in homage to the very same Denys Finch Hatton, who impressed with his independence, his thirst for adventure and his love of freedom. The business plan is quickly drawn up, but now it is time to convince buyers and suppliers. Not an easy task: competition is fierce and not everyone shares Brandts' vision. But like Denys Finch Hatton, Roger Brandts, with the help of his initially small team, remains persistent and does not let himself be diverted from his path.
DOWN-TO-EARTH, FREEDOM AND JUST DOING THINGS
Slowly but steadily Fynch-Hatton is beginning to establish itself. And as the range of products grows, so does the Fynch-Hatton team, which has turned Roger Brandt's idea into a success: the unmistakable fashion brand with the umbrella acacia as its logo, the typical tree of the African savannah. Together they work towards a single goal: to live up to Denys Finch Hatton's spirit of adventure. True to Brandt's motto "Make", the range has been growing steadily for the past 20 years - from knitwear products to total looks, in other words everything a man needs to be well dressed. And it's not just the products, from shirts to trousers to shoes, that are becoming more diverse, but also the locations of the Fynch Hatton shops. In around 55 countries and in the online shop, men can now buy Fynch-Hatton clothing at a fair price, because
"Fynch-Hatton should be a brand that everyone can afford without sacrificing the quality and style of a premium brand." - Roger Brandts
"Freedom, independence and self-determination" this is the spirit that goes along with our fashion. We do not want to missionize anyone or change or influence his or her personality significantly. It's just an honest brand, a relaxed brand." - Roger Brandts
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