Mr Hare looking to hop East

Mr Hare, one of British luxury's new star brands, is aiming to crack the lucrative Asian market through a huge distribution agreement and a first shop in Hong Kong.

The footwear brand, which sells men's blue suede shoes for £240 a pair, was founded by designer Marc Hare, pictured. Earlier this year, it received backing from John Ayton, the joint founder of jeweller Links of London.

Far East distribution specialist Bluebell, which also represents designers Kenzo and Balmain, will sell the brand in up to 50 outlets in Japan in the next 12 months, with plans for sales to reach £3m in three years.

Mr Ayton, who is also chairman of the group after investing earlier this year, said that Asia is currently experiencing a menswear boom.

Marc Hare, who had mentoring to help grow his business from luxury group Walpole through its Brands of Tomorrow scheme, was this month named leading Emerging luxury brand at the Luxury Briefing Awards.

In the UK, Mr Hare has one shop, in Stafford Street in London's Mayfair, and is stocked in stores such as Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Liberty and Selfridges.