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Question time

Fashion designer Henry Holland on the startingly simple idea that made his name - and sharing a bathroom with a supermodel
Henry Holland, fashion designer
Henry Holland ... 'I know that Agyness being a muse and a friend has helped me get my brand out there.' Photograph: Frank Baron/Guardian
Interview by Hannah Pool
Wed 28 Jan 2009 19.01 EST

Are you looking forward to London fashion week next month?

I'm wishing I had more time, but yes, I am I'm very excited about the new collection. I think it's going to be one of the best, but then I would say that.

Is there a theme for this collection?

We've based it a lot around prints. It's got sharp lines and it's quite graphic. There'll be a lot of bright colours, which people tend to associate with House of Holland, and also some more muted tones.

Any slogan T-shirts?

Definitely not. We're not doing any for the moment, but never say never.

You've become known for them and it's been implied that perhaps you are a one-hit wonder.

The one-hit wonder thing doesn't bother me at all. I grew my label out of the T-shirts so I'm very happy to acknowledge them.

This whole label was born out of a happy accident after the T-shirts did so well.

Did you rip off Katharine Hamnett?

No, not at all. They reflected my own sense of style - in your face, bright, quite brash, loud and attention-seeking. The other day someone said I'd ripped off Vivienne Westwood. There aren't many things you can do without it being related to other people. Katharine Hamnett's T-shirts were very much about an ethical message or a political message. Mine are much more a bit of fun, a bit tongue in cheek and a way for the fashion industry to have a laugh at themselves.

Do you have any fashion training?

No, I didn't have any official training, but where things are hands-on or creative in the way fashion is, you learn so much more once you're on the job. Obviously there are technical aspects to what I do that I need other people for, like pattern cutting, but anyone can draw a dress. I don't mean to dumb it down, but if you have ideas, or a vision you want to get across, you just have to find the right people with the right skills to help you realise it.

So when people say that you're not a real designer, is that just sour grapes?

I sit in my studio, I draw clothes and then we make them as a team. It's the way a lot of designers work. I had to get extra help but I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

Do you think you're a proper designer?

I still find it difficult to say I'm a fashion designer. I feel a bit like I'm showing off. I get a little bit uncomfortable saying it out loud, but yes, I am.

Do you feel like you had one really good idea and got lucky?

No. I work my arse off. I had one good idea that hit the zeitgeist and that allowed me to progress and grow a business for which we continuously produce great ideas and work very hard at it.

Have you made a lot of money?

No. Not a bleeding penny.

I don't believe you.

Well you bought the tea because I had no cash in my pocket. It's the same with any new business: you make money, but a company takes money to grow.

How much does the fact that Agyness Deyn models for you have to do with your success?


Is she the new Kate Moss?

She's not the new anything. She's just Agyness, isn't she? Kate Moss is Kate Moss, Agyness Deyn is Agyness Deyn.

Henry Holland has joined forces with handbag essential, Wrigley's Extra, to create two special edition pack designs. The packs are available from selected WHSmith Travel and Sainsbury's Local stores.