Henry Holland Interview & Vivid Ticket Giveaway
His life motto? "Have fun!"
Henry Holland's label House of Holland rose to prominence through funny slogan t-shirts (who could forget 'What a corker, Karen Walker'?), and has carved out a niche as an irreverent label. Henry has also collaborated with the likes of Le Specs and Levis, blogs for Vogue, has a diffusion line with Debenham's department store (H! by Henry Holland), and counts Alexa Chung and Agnyess Deyn as bros.
The UK designer is bringing his wicked humour and honest insights to Vivid Sydney, as part of the Vivid Ideas program. He'll be doing a talk on Wednesday June 6 with the General Manager of House of Holland, Jessica Fletcher, and will be giving some sage advice about the role of celebrity in fashion and how to work in collaboration with brands. We caught up with the Brit before he hits our fair shores.
A runway shot from House of Holland's AW12 collection, 'Ride It'.
Lucy Jones: You first made a name for yourself with slogan t-shirts reading things like 'I’ll show you who’s boss, Kate Moss'. What kind of role do fashion celebrities play in the industry?
Henry Holland: I think more recently with the explosion of street style photography there has been a huge rise is 'fashion celebrities'. People like Anna Dello Russo and Kate Lanphear have become style icons around the world as a result, and have given us a new way of looking at runway fashion by seeing it on the street rather than the catwalk.
Who are your dream icons to dress?
The Queen. I met her recently and there really is no bigger job than making something for the Queen!
Describe your label House of Holland in five words...
Playful, irreverent, colourful, innovative and fresh.
I know it’s hard to pick one, but who’s your favourite of the British 'It girl' to work with and why?
Agyness because she's my mate and I miss her now that she lives in America, so dressing her means I get to spend time with her.
What’s the best creative idea you’ve ever had?
Filthy rhyming couplets about designers. Without that idea I wouldn't be doing what I do today.
Do you have a life motto?
Have fun!
What’s your top tip for surviving in the fashion industry?
Don't take yourself, or other people's opinion of you, too seriously.
We've got a double pass to giveaway to Henry's Vivid talk! All you have to do is email giveaways@oystermag.com with your favourite slogan. It can be anything! Please include your name, address and a contact number. The competition closes at midnight on Monday June 4, and the winner will be contacted the following day.
Introduction: Jerico Mandybur
Interview: Lucy Jones
