About Hughies

Hello, I’m Nigel

I’m the person behind Hughies Dog Accessories, and Hugo — my dog — is the reason it all began.

For years, I worked in financial services in London. It was a very different world from the one I’m in now, and eventually I knew I wanted a change. I was ready to step away from the rat race and do something more creative, more personal and, hopefully, a little more worthwhile.

Hugo gave me the push. I wanted accessories for him that felt well made and individual, rather than something produced by the thousand. That simple idea gradually became Hughies: a small London business inspired by one much-loved dog.

Nigel holding Hugo, the inspiration behind Hughies Dog Accessories
Nigel and Hugo, the pair behind Hughies Dog Accessories.

A family connection to sewing

When I started Hughies, I began with sewing machines my father had carefully kept. They had belonged to my late grandmother, who worked as a seamstress for the late Queen Elizabeth II.

That connection means a great deal to me. Beginning a new chapter of my own on machines that had been part of my grandmother’s working life made Hughies feel rooted in something much older: skill, patience and the value of making things properly.

Made in London, with a story behind it

Most Hughies pieces are made by me in London, either to order or in small batches. The collection includes reversible dog bandanas, soft dog bone toys, reclaimed leather collars and leather dog waste bag holders.

I enjoy finding materials that still have plenty of life left in them. Some bandanas and toys begin as leftover or repurposed fabrics. Our Couch-to-Collar™ collection uses leather reclaimed from unwanted sofas to make collars and waste bag holders.

Reclaimed materials are never completely uniform. A crease, change in grain or slight variation in colour may remain, and I think that is part of their appeal. Each piece has its own character before I even begin making it.

Practical things, made properly

I want Hughies accessories to look distinctive, but they also need to work in everyday life. Collars should feel comfortable and secure. Bandanas should be easy to wear. Toys should be carefully sewn, and waste bag holders should be useful on an actual dog walk.

I take time over the details because there isn’t a production line behind the business. It’s me choosing the materials, developing the designs, making the products and meeting customers at markets around London.

Hugo is still at the heart of it

Hugo, the dog who inspired Hughies Dog Accessories, wearing a red tartan bandana
Hugo, the inspiration and character behind the Hughies name.

Hughies has grown since those first ideas, but the reason for doing it hasn’t changed. It is about dogs, the people who love them and making something with more thought and personality than a mass-produced accessory.

Hugo remains my inspiration, unofficial product tester and the character behind the name.

Thank you for supporting Hughies. When you buy from the business, you’re supporting an independent London maker — and helping me continue the life I left the financial-services rat race to create.

Nigel & Hugo
Hughies Dog Accessories