Michael McVeigh: Menswear Maverick
Michael McVeigh, a true original who made his mark on the British menswear scene, has passed away at 79. From the swinging sixties to the high street, his career was a vibrant tapestry woven with style, creativity, and an undeniable passion for clothes.
Born in Ealing, West London, and raised in East Ham, Michael was the youngest of four, his childhood shaped by his mother Sarah's strength while his father, Archie, a merchant seaman, navigated the world's oceans. School wasn't Mike's forte ā he preferred entertaining his classmates to hitting the books. However, his innate flair for style and love for American fashion proved to be his greatest assets.
A Window to the World of Style
Mike rapidly gained recognition as a sought-after freelance window dresser in London's West End. He had a knack for capturing attention. Top menswear retailers like Cecil Gee and Michael Barrie gave him free reign, and his innovative displays soon graced the windows of iconic stores like Harrods and Selfridges. Beyond aesthetics, Mike possessed an impressive understanding of tailoring, honed while working as a sales assistant and even serving famous faces like Groucho Marx and Mick Jagger. In 1968, he married Vivien Dixon and welcomed their daughter, Leah.
The Emperor's Reign
In 1972, Mike and his friend Billy Murphy, united by their Irish heritage, launched The Emperor of Wyoming. The name, inspired by a Neil Young tune, was a fitting tribute to the boutique's focus: imported Americana. The store quickly became a King's Road fashion destination, leading to the opening of a second location. A business trip to the United States in the mid-70s turned into an unforgettable cross-country road trip, realizing a dream Mike held dear. However, this period also brought change. Both his marriage and business partnership dissolved, prompting him to seek a fresh start.
Bath and Beyond
Returning to window dressing, Mike eventually settled in Bath with his partner, Hilary Sterrett. They had two children, Sabrina and me. Together, Mike and Hilary immersed themselves in Bath's alternative fashion scene. In the mid-1980s, Mike established Biffo, a menswear store that became a favorite of bands like Echo & the Bunnymen and Tears for Fears.
Biffo evolved into Mike's Country & Western Store, but the economic downturn of the early 90s forced its closure. Mike transitioned back into sales, where he excelled. He transformed River Island's Bath suit department into one of their most profitable.
His later career saw him contribute his talents to menswear chains like Burton and Moss Bros, followed by two fulfilling spells managing charity shops in Devizes, Wiltshire. These roles allowed him to showcase his sharp eye for detail, knowledge of clothing, and talent for creating appealing shop fronts.
Following his separation from Hilary in 2008, Mike relocated to Salisbury, eventually finding a comfortable home in an almshouse. He embraced this new chapter with contentment, even as dementia began to affect his independence. He met this challenge with characteristic dignity, a dry sense of humor, and an enduring sense of style.
Mike is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Leah and Sabrina, and me.
