Nicky Haslam, an acclaimed English interior designer and founder of Nicky Haslam Studio, shares his fascinating journey through fashion and society. He reminisces about dyeing his pubes and his audacious style choices at Eton, reflecting on how he invented the '60s alongside David Bailey. The conversation touches on his unforgettable encounters with icons like Marilyn Monroe and Mae West and delves into the connection between attraction and personal aesthetics. With humor and charm, Haslam illustrates his belief in the beauty of shared experiences and resilience.
Nicky Haslam reflects on how his aristocratic upbringing and early exposure to fashion shaped his personal style and identity.
The podcast discusses the transformative role of cultural movements like the 1960s mod look in influencing individual fashion choices and social dynamics.
Deep dives
The Influence of Early Exposure to Fashion
The speaker reflects on their aristocratic upbringing and how early exposure to fashion shaped their preferences. They recall a trip to Paris after World War II, where they witnessed Dior's famous 'New Look,' alongside their mother's disapproval for its opulence. Instead, they were drawn to the designs of Jacques Fath, a choice signifying a departure from their mother's conservative tastes. This early encounter cemented the idea that clothing could serve as a personal statement, contrasting generational expectations with individual style.
Fashion and Identity at Eton
During their time at Eton, the speaker experimented with their uniform, finding ways to express individuality against a backdrop of tradition. They dyeed their hair and added bold linings to the otherwise monotonous attire, indicating a resistance to conformity. This playful rebellion continued as they adopted a teddy boy look post-Eton, which they found sexy characterized by skin-tight black jackets and unique hairstyles. Their enthusiasm for self-expression reveals a deeper connection between fashion choices and personal identity during formative years.
The Evolution of Style Through Cultural Trends
The conversation shifts to how cultural shifts influenced personal style, particularly during the emergence of the mod look in the 1960s. They attribute the inspiration for this style to their close acquaintance with photographer David Bailey, who was central to the mod scene. The speaker recalls their admiration for the juxtaposition of glamour and rebellion found within those fashion trends. This demonstrates that style is not just about clothing; it reflects broader cultural movements and the social dynamics of the time.
Fashion as a Reflection of Attraction and Social Norms
The role of clothing in attraction is emphasized when the speaker expresses how a person's outfit can significantly influence their appeal. They observe that if someone’s fashion sense doesn't resonate, it could diminish their attractiveness entirely. This idea points to societal norms where people often judge aesthetics based on appearance, shaping interpersonal dynamics. The speaker suggests that a distinctive style can be a source of allure, highlighting how fashion serves as both personal expression and a social barometer.
Nicky Haslam is an English interior designer. He is the founder of the interior design company Nicky Haslam Studio and has created homes for society figures, billionaires, and pop stars with exquisite taste including Bryan Ferry. He was born into an aristocratic family and after his recovery from polio as a child, he was educated at Eton, where he dyed his hair blonde and had his school uniform tailcoat customised with a red lining, which caused a scandal. Nicky Haslam has an unerring eye for recognising style: he introduced Diana Vreeland, the legendary editor of American Vogue, to Yves Saint Laurent. He commissioned Diane Arbus to photograph Mae West. He is a society figure, at home in every milieu as long as the clothes and conversation are of the highest order. He is the author of the most sought after cult tea towel, issued every year at Christmas and inscribed with his dictum of ‘How Common’. Mostly things we all are, do, or love - like scented candles or loving your parents.
In this episode Nicky Haslam talks to Bella Freud about dying his pubes; inventing the 60’s with David Bailey; and meeting Marilyn Monroe.