Victoria Hinks Taylor has been making headlines in Paris, London, Milan, New York. Just one look at her work and you see how striking and individual, memorable it is. I asked Victoria a few questions about her life and work in this email interview.
Please tell us a little about the person behind the label and how you started in fashion.
I remember finishing school and having to make the decision of what I was going to do. The choices were always; acting, photography, or fashion. I was always individual in the way I dressed, and my parents were always very aware that even at a young age other girls would copy how I wore something. In the end, I actually graduated in Photography. My final show was a collection of short films, which was a little controversial, as no one had explored film on that course before. I went straight to London, although still unsettled about what I wanted to do, and followed the film route, which lead me into post production and advertising. I worked for 6 years in Soho where I worked for some great creative figures, and some fantastic companies such as Mother and M&C Saatchi. But it wasn’t until I met my now business partner Lawrence, that I finally began to realize where I was supposed to be. For the next 2 years we travelled and worked around Europe, he is a film director, and I worked as an art director and stylist. Throughout those 2 years I would draw books and books of fashion designs. So much so it got to the point where Lawrence realized before me what was happening! He encouraged me to define all these ideas into a collection, which I did. It was a natural progression for both of us to define all our ideas experience and vision into creating the Hinks Taylor label. And since then it has just been fantastic. One profound comment that stays with me is “you most fear what you most want to do”. Because if you fail at the thing you want to do most, where do you go from there!? However I am finally realising what I always knew deep down, and life has never been easier and more fulfilling.
Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
I don’t have a specific “inspirational” routine. I spend time appreciating vintage design. Whether it is fashion or industrial. I love the demure of the late 50’s and early 60’s by Dior.I can’t work without music, so I think a lot of my creativity is encouraged by song! But I don’t have a bookshop, or a gallery, or a person that I go to for ideas, and inspiration. Absolutely everything around me inspires me. Everyday there might be a new film, or a car or a something I find in a suitcase in the attic that sparks an idea. I think my inspiration is born out of a big soup that cooks during the night and manifests itself in my subconscious. Most of my designs come from my dreams… I will wake in the morning, and spend the next few hours drawing what I dreamt, not really knowing where it came from, crazy but true!I think I am incredibly sensitive and aware to my surroundings. To people, what they say, what they wear, how they act. If I had to pinpoint a specific inspiration it would be ‘people’. People in general, by passers, people in the bus stop, the woman that lives opposite.
Are there certain fabrics and patterns that excite you more than others?
Sequins drive me crazy. I just love them, on everything. I like it when they are sewn on like fish scales with a matte texture that feels like a chain male. I love weighty fabric too, heavy brocade, like upholstery fabrics. I’ve never been madly into patterned fabric, although I like the idea of designing my own patterns, so that’s something for the future that I could defiantly get into.
Did your birthplace and/or current hometown have any influence on your work?
Living in London has definitely been a huge influence on my work. The style and trends that are born in the streets of London are in a league of their own. It’s an incredible hub of all things diverse and original. I am always heavily influenced by London girls! They are daring, suggestive and always pushing the boundaries of fashion.
Do you have a favorite time period in fashion history?
I love the Elizabethan period. Shapely waists, and full skirts with layers and layers of beautiful materials full of intricate detail. The silhouettes are so feminine, sexy, but strong. They leave lots to the imagination, but are full of creativity. You could look at a dress for hours and not get bored. And today; 2009, where it’s fashionable not to be fashionable. Anything goes. Trends are born out of inspiration from all eras and decades; it’s a brilliant time to be creative.
What plays the primary role in your designs – structure, color, fabric, or other?
My designs defiantly begin with the structure and silhouette. I think because my ideas for the design are so vivid to begin with, I always seem to have a definite look and a foundation for the collection before I even have chance to begin with the fabric. In a way I like it like that though as it gives me a stronger sense of direction when it comes to finding the right choice of fabrics. However, choosing the right fabric can make or break a collection, it is as important as the design! So although it generally comes as the second stage in the way I work, it doesn’t make it any less important.
If you were to give a title to your latest collection, what would it be? How would you define your collection and its audience?
The collection is about expression. The designs embrace everything I think a woman should feel when wearing a great outfit. They explore femininity and fun, as well as also encouraging that element of the extrovert. For me life is a stage, where you can express yourself, and feel great about yourself whether it’s dancing to a great piece of music, or wearing a great outfit. You can change your whole persona through an outfit, and tell a different story. You can feel powerful, sexy and striking all at once. Women who wear Hinks Taylor are a little bit different in their outlook and energy. They are looking for fashion that explores layers of personality. Outfits that course a stir, that people ask questions about. Outfits that become an extension of themselves. I believe that’s what life is about, and that’s why I always say “why wait for an occasion to dress up! Every day is an occasion”.
Your designs are full of passion. What are you most passionate about?
Clothes and shoes of course! But cars, I get really excited by any car that is designed with love, passion, craftsmanship, and has personality and most of all a kick arse engine! There is nothing like the raw of a V12! This passion includes anything from vintage gems like the Carmen gear or 1964 Ford Mustang, through to the Aston Vantage, Bugatti Veyron and of course my own beauty, ‘westy’ a 1972 westfalia VW campervan, although her engine is not quite so powerful, particularly on the upward incline!
Are there any music or movie stars you would like to see wearing your collection pieces?
- Milla Jovovich
- Roisin Murphy
- Anouck Lepere
- Sophie Ellis Bextor
Do you have a favorite outfit? What would you wear on an average Monday?
It’s hard to have a favourite outfit because it really depends on my mood. My partner always comments on how my look changes dramatically from day to day. Not long ago I was meeting my dad in a bar, and when I walked up to him, he looked right through me and carried on sipping his drink. Amusing for me, but he found it a little unsettling. He simply didn’t recognise me. In his defence it was kinda dark in there! As for Mondays, very important to dress with an impact. You must start the week as you mean to go on. When I feel strong and striking in my clothes, I feel I can take on whatever comes my way.
Your latest collection strikes both a feminine and a strong, independent woman note. Do you have any advice to women who want to look more feminine yet appear unique?
It’s difficult to express yourself in clothes if you feel uncomfortable or paranoid about your body. Once you embrace your figure you can really have fun, and express yourself in a much more confident way. Confidence is absolutely key to feeling sexy and unique. My current collection is designed to make the most of the female figure by emphasizing the waist and leaving layers of skirt to create a silhouette that works great with any bottom, and legs that are immediately lengthened. The body is also made to feel slender in the bodice style dresses that fit tightly around the breast, making you feel incredibly sexy, while leaving lots to the imagination, very important!
Are there any Spring-Summer 2009 trends that you are particularly fond of?
“Colour blocking” at Lanvin, Josh Goot and Richard nicoll. Quiffs/hair by zac posen, Sequins at YSL, and Zips at Philip Lim.
Please name a few of your favorites – artist, book, and movie?
Books – “The Life of Elizabeth” by Alison Weir. “Life of Pi” by Yann Martel.
Artists – Jack Vettriano, Elaine Jones, Caterina Pavan
Movie – I racked my brain the get this far are actually come up with an answer for the books and artists. The truth of it is, I simply find these questions impossible to answer. I don’t have a favourite of anything really. Every day I stumble on a new artist or creative that catches my eye, and inspires me. Also my preference is totally dependent on my mood. Some days I love dark acoustic melancholy and tears. Other days it’s all about comical illustration, rockabilly, dressing up and singing at the top of my voice!
Where can our readers buy your designs?
We are currently stocked in 5 boutiques in England and Southern Ireland, you can visit out website for address details. We have just recently opened our online boutique where you can buy our preview A/W 2009 collection. And from August the full complete collection for A/W 2009 will be available.We are also about to open a Showroom in Milan, Italy. ( Via Aleardo Aleardi, 12, Milano. Tel: +390236591973).
What’s next for you?
I have a few collaboration ideas in the pipeline which I’m extremely excited about. I have always wanted to develop a diffusion range alongside other artists. I also have plans to introduce an accessories arm to the brand, of what exactly I cant say yet. We are also in the process of moving our brand internationally, and making it more accessible.
You can find Hinks Taylor designs online on her website www.hinkstaylor.com.
