June 26, 2026 |
The legacy of fashion’s beloved lawyer, Hugh Devlin, who sadly passed away in 2023, is set to be continued with the launch of the Hugh Devlin Foundation. Founded by his wife Sarah Polden, with the support of friends and former clients including Christopher Kane and Tammy Kane, Anya Hindmarch and Charlotte Tilbury, the foundation is set to provide free legal and financial advice to creative professionals.
Throughout his career, Devlin became a trusted advisor and mentor to a host of designers and creatives. Specialising in luxury, fashion and the creative industry, Devlin helped countless businesses navigate difficult economic conditions, often providing legal advice free of charge. Speaking to Vogue, Tammy Kane said, “Hugh was unique in every way, a polymath who could in one phone call resolve and appease complex legal issues, while simultaneously finding you the best bespoke solution to another. His straight-talking and dry wit could make your anguish turn to laughter.”
The foundation, which will be open to UK-based creatives in the fields of fashion, art, hair, beauty and design, will bring together lawyers and accountants who will offer their services for free. An essential asset to the creative industry, as the expense of legal advice often means emerging talents opt not to seek it, the foundation will offer guidance on issues purveying to contracts, wholesale, e-commerce, partnerships and more.
Applications will start being accepted at the end of June and applicants will be allocated to expert volunteers dependent on their needs.
Photography courtesy of the Hugh Devlin Foundation.
