Within the Nu Rave scene, Henry of Holland’s T-shirts are like the ones that say “My friend went to L.A. and brought me this shitty T-shirt” or “I survived 9/11”, the only difference is that they refer to the fashion industry itself. With audacity, colour and graphics, House of Holland has become the fashion souvenir in the last few seasons. This has nothing to do with what Katherine Hammet did in the 1980s. This is more of an apolitical, frivolous and ingenious version but, nevertheless, it is able to seduce the same designers and models whom they satirise, something that Hammet was unable to do with Mrs. Thatcher. What do you think about what the press calls “Nu Rave”? Does it exist? Have they invented it? There is a Nu Rave scene but it’s not as big as the press believes. The press has pounced on this new scene too quickly, forcing it out of its underground status and making it mainstream too fast. Your slogans remind us of Katherine Hammet’s T-shirts. Were they an inspiration? Yes, their letters were big but the T-shirts were too political. I don’t want people to take my slogans too seriously; they should take them as blatant comments about the fashion industry. Your ex-flatmate, the model Agyness Deyn, and yourself met Anna Wintour recently. What is she like? What slogan would best fit her? Anna Wintour was very charming with us. Although her reputation intimidates, she was adorable and friendly. To think of a slogan for her is a delicate matter; perhaps it would contain the words “more”, “more” and “more”. Gareth Pugh and Christopher Kane wore your T-shirts. Who else would like to see wearing them? I am simply happy by seeing them…but, honestly, I would love to see the Olsen Girls wear them as a dress! (making a rhyme!). How is the club, fashion and music scene in London? Is there a new golden age? Yes, in fashion, music and culture. It started two years ago, when English music was successful in the US, and now this is happening with fashion: Luella has returned to modelling, Marc by Marc Jacobs paraded at the fashion show here last season and now we have the new brat pack with Gilles, Christopher Kane and Gareth…people are looking towards London once again. After cooperating with Kickers for a limited series, do you plan any more collaborations? I’m working on a shop window for Mulberry, on a small line of accessories for my fashion show, and on a project for Gap’s Red Campaign. You used to work as fashion editor at a magazine. Do you still do this? Did you like it? No, I don’t do that anymore since House of Holland demands a lot of time. I used to love it and would go back to work at a magazine if I had to. How did you meet graphic designer Chris Williams? Chris is an old colleague. I worked with him at the design department of a magazine. He hated me the first time he met me! But we soon became friends. He has helped me with the brand’s graphic design since the outset.

www.houseofholland.co.uk
Brenda Chávez