Friends of Magee 1866

Introducing Friends of Magee 1866, a series showcasing the people who've worked with the brand over the years. Like most relationships, the best ones are nurtured over time and we're delighted to have worked with photographer Alex Hutchinson for almost a decade on our seasonal campaigns. We spoke to him about friendship, Donegal, working with Magee 1866, and his favourite coat from AW25.

What Does Friendship Mean to You?

Friendship, to me, is everything, its trust, ease, and shared understanding, the kind of connection where you can be completely yourself. It's the people who lift you up, who make everyday moments meaningful, and who stay constant no matter what life throws your way. In my line of work, I meet so many people daily, and I try to treat everyone like a friend I've known for a long time.

The Magee 1866 Piece Alex Is Wearing

The Corrib is such a timeless piece, incredibly well made, with that classic Magee attention to detail. I love how it feels, and since putting it on, the Corrib has become my most-worn piece. It goes with almost everything while still acting as a statement piece. It's the kind of garment that tells a story, connecting me to home whether I'm wearing it around London or shooting on location around the world.

Where Alex Learned His Craft

I learned photography through a mix of formal study and a lot of self-taught exploration. But honestly, the biggest lessons came from practice, understanding what I'm looking for, chasing light, watching people, and learning to capture a sense of place. That's where my eye really developed. Telling stories has always been central to my work.

The Best Thing About Working with Magee 1866

Working with Magee 1866 has always felt authentic and genuine, everything from the people to the product reflects real care, craft, and heritage. There's a shared respect for storytelling, in every garment, every landscape, and every friendship made along the way. It's refreshing to collaborate with a brand that values tradition while still pushing it forward.

Who Inspires Alex's Work

I'm inspired by people who see beauty in the ordinary, photographers, directors, and artists who capture emotion and atmosphere over perfection. The work of director Terrence Malick has always spoken to me, especially his eye for capturing the relationship people have with nature and with each other.

Behind the Scenes of This Year's Donegal Shoot

This year's shoot was such a joy, the location was breathtaking, and the team energy was incredible. There's something special about shooting in Donegal: wild coastline, soft light, and a real sense of calm. This year, everything just clicked, the weather, the styling, the laughter between shots, those are the moments that make it memorable and helped create the story we set out to tell.

Why Donegal Appeals to a Photographer

Donegal has a raw, unfiltered beauty. The light is constantly changing, the landscapes are rugged yet serene, and there's a sense of timelessness that makes every frame feel grounded and poetic. It's a place that invites you to slow down and really look and that's where the best images come from: slowing down, and letting yourself experience the best of what Ireland has to offer.