“When my wife found out I was doing this, she was gutted,” says Jack Harman. “She was like ‘Hang on a minute, I’m the one who went through a pregnancy! Why do you get a makeover?’” However, there are no hard feelings when his wife Emma shows up at Shu Salon with their 2-month-old daughter, Daisy. Both Harmans are teachers at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB); Jack teaches Early Years while Emma teaches Year 3.
The couple moved to Beijing two years ago after following “the spirit of adventure” by traveling through South America for a year – a far cry from their native Plymouth, UK. “We’re both the son and daughter of sailors, so that might explain the wanderlust,” says Jack. In fact, the Harmans interviewed for DCB via Skype while still in Chile.
For the Father’s Day edition of Indulge, we added clothes to the mix by enlisting the help of Justin Kwan, image consultant and co-founder of Principle M. The company offers style advice and made-to-measure clothing for men. “I want that average guy to call us and come in for a consultation,” says Kwan. “This is a long-term relationship, so our clients can trust us to be straightforward and honest with them.”
Kwan met with Jack before the shoot to figure out his needs and get to know him better. In the process, he determined that Jack has a warmer skin tone. “That’s good because he works with children,” he says. “When you look sharp and cold, kids can actually pick up on that. It’s possible for Jack to look smart while still being approachable.”
For the shoot, Kwan brought two polos, a couple of ties, a plaid sports coat, and light beige chinos from Principle M’s ready-to-wear line. In the end, we settle on a crisp white shirt paired with a maroon tie, the sports coat, chinos, and Jack’s brown brogues for a tidy, masculine look.
For Jack’s haircut, Shu Stylist Jaxx Yuen opts for a sleek look that is ultra-short on the sides and back, with a side part and longer hair on top – think early 20th century England. “Short is good,” says Jack. “When you’re running after 6-year-olds all day, it can get really hot.”
As luck would have it, we have access to Yuen’s motorcycle, which photographer Dave Hanssen lights against the setting sun.
“Do a Steve McQueen!” he yells at Jack, who obliges by leaning on the motorcycle and crossing his arms. “I’m never going to live this down with the lads,” he says.
Meanwhile, Emma looks on with Daisy in her arms. “I’ve got to get a photo with my iPad and send it to his mum,” she laughs.
But between Jack’s various guises – teacher, husband, adventurer, regular guy, sartorial hero – perhaps “dad” is the most important. While getting a haircut, he frequently cranes his neck to peek around the mirror at Emma and Daisy (“Is she all right?”). When he has a moment, Jack invariably runs over to check on the baby (“How is my bunny doing?”).
The Harmans will be moving to Singapore this summer to teach at DCB’s newest school. They’ll take with them their spirit of adventure – and a brand-new family member to share it with.
This article originally appeared in the June 2014 issue of beijingkids. To find out where to get your free copy, email distribution@truerun.com or view it on Issuu.
