The life and times of Henry Holland
If you remember the iconic slogan tees that took over London Fashion Week in the mid-2000s, you already know Henry Holland. Born in Greater Manchester and now 43, the designer has had a massive career pivot, transitioning from his House of Holland fashion label to creating beautiful ceramics at his current brand, Henry Holland Studio. He is currently curating an exhibition titled There’s No Place Like It at London’s Royal Society of Sculptors, which is running through November 28th.
Real talk: from gymnastics to nose jobs
In a recent interview, Holland got refreshingly candid about his life, and honestly, the vibes are a rollercoaster. He admitted that his biggest disappointment isn't related to the fashion industry—it's that he didn't become an Olympic gymnast. Talk about main character energy, right?
He also didn't hold back on the insecurities we all deal with. He’s lowkey considered getting a nose job because he’s never been a fan of his own, and his response to friends telling him he'd "look different" was iconic: "That’s the point!"
The scariest Uber ride ever
If you thought your last commute was stressful, say less. Holland shared a terrifying story about an Uber ride where his driver lost consciousness while behind the wheel. The car was packed with ceramics destined for Liberty, and Holland actually had to reach through from the backseat to steer the vehicle. They eventually crashed into a bollard, airbags deployed, and the windows smashed. The craziest part? He told the interviewer that Uber still charged him for the ride. No cap, that is absolutely wild.
Why it matters
Beyond the wild stories, Holland’s perspective is a good reminder to keep things authentic. Whether he’s ranking his favorite Real Housewives franchises (he’s a Salt Lake City, Beverly Hills, and Orange County fan) or dealing with the fear of loss, he’s living by the mantra he says is the most important lesson life has taught him: "Do things your way."
