15 May 2019
The Jacket Required SS20 Line Up: Mr Mullan’s Apothecary
In recent years, men’s fashion has undergone a paradigm shift. As male grooming has become increasingly important in the overall “look”, it’s only natural that hair and skin products aimed at men are making a breakthrough like never before. Enter Mr Mullan’s Apothecary. With a wealth of experience in the grooming industry, founder John Mullans knows a thing or two about the world of male grooming. We spoke to him to find out more about one of our Jacket Required Living favourites.
Tell us the story behind Mr Mullan’s Apothecary – how did the brand start?
It happened quite naturally; I have been in the hair and grooming industry for nearly thirty years and have my own salon based in Kingston upon Thames so, naturally, I have tried nearly every product going. Having a big beard myself I was trying product after product, brand after brand and I knew exactly what I was looking for yet I couldn’t find it out there! I would turn up for shoots and be mixing multiple products to try and create the desired effect and it was then when I realised there was a market out there for something I couldn’t find. I began doing my research and experimenting with different ingredients and testing products on myself until I came up with the right formulas.
What inspired you to start your own men’s grooming line?
After I was happy with my formulation I began asking my salon clientele for their feedback. Gents loved the beard balm and oil and began asking to buy it from me. It was an instant hit! I knew my products were high standard but the feedback I got was overwhelming so I began to expand my range.
How important is it to you to be a 100% British brand?
It is very important to me to continue to be a 100% British brand. I produce all of my products in my own studio and this way I know all of my ingredients are ethically sourced and manufactured to the highest standards. It is so important to me that my products are the highest quality and this way I can ensure it. Producing the products myself is also a more eco-friendly way of doing business and I make sure my products are natural and my packaging is recyclable.
What are the benefits of the natural ingredients that you use?
Every ingredient I select for my products in the grooming range are hand-picked for their skin and hair properties. For instance, orange blossom hydrates and tones the skin and healthy skin promotes healthy beard growth. Bergamot not only smells amazing but is also powerful antiseptic which removes bacteria from the skin and hair. Black pepper contains anti-oxidants which prevent ageing of the skin, help cure blackheads and boosts circulation which in turn promotes hair growth. Sweet almond eliminates dry skin and sandalwood also works as a dandruff treatment. These are just a few benefits of some of the ingredients I use. With my background in the hair and grooming industry it is paramount to me that every ingredient has a purpose, there are no fillers or chemical nasties in my products as my aim was to create a range that really works, that I could use on my own clients and on editorials and that lived up to my high expectations.
Why are you exhibiting at Jacket Required this season?
We had a great success at the last Jacket Required and made some great new connections. I like to keep in the loop with what’s going on in the fashion industry and think it’s a great fit for my brand as well.
What will you be bringing to the SS20 edition?
After the success of the beard range and the lifestyle products, such as candles and the incense cones, I began looking at the ingredients in all of my skincare products I was previously using. This started a real passion for me to create moisturisers and skincare with the same ethos as my beard products. I am expanding my range and have some exciting new products I can’t wait to showcase!
Showcase next to Mr Mullan’s Apothecary and more exciting emerging and established brands. To exhibit at Jacket Required 24th and 25th July sign up now.