Harris Elliott

Interview with Harris Elliott

With one success after another, and a long list of prestigious clients in the fashion, music and media related industries; stylist Harris Elliott pulled another trick out of his magic hat this year by exhibiting his own range of bags and jackets at London Fashion Week. Not only has Harris’s collection ‘H by Harris’ enforced his growing position as a fashion authority, but it has also proved that he is dynamic, and knows no boundary of expression. A former interior architecture and design student, Harris has built his own little empire of style in the heart of London, where he operates his studio and continues to develop his ideas into realities.

- Can you tell us a little bit about yourself as a stylist and what you do?

H: I make people look believable, whoever it is they want to be that day, and feel confident to project the image that they want to portray, whether that is subtle or full on. For my stylish art, I create characters that are inspired by the details I see in everyday culture.

- What actually made you get into your field of work?

H: The turning point was many colleagues liking a few bags I had designed for myself, this propelled me to launch my own label, as there was a gap in the market for the type of bags I was making. To be honest the transition into being a producer of fine quality goods is an extension of what I already did as a stylist.

- What would you say are the key elements that represent your brand?

Quality, contemporary style for the consumer that wants to look and feel special without too many embellishments. Subtle innovation and an appreciation of shape and form.

- What were your initial concepts for your latest work?

H: I have been inspired by fixed gear bikes and the whole cycling way of life, its an amazing new subculture that reminds me of early hip hop.

- What/ who would you say is your strongest source of inspiration?

H: There are too many influences to say just one, I love the work of artists Mike and Doug Starn, Jean Claude and Christo. I’m currently really into the film ‘Hunger’ by Steve Mcqueen, the designer Thomas Heatherwick always blows me away with his creations.

- Do you have any favourite materials and special techniques/ effects you enjoy using?

H: At the moment it’s all about leather- I love creating things that not only look good but that are really tactile, appealing to two senses. Playing with shape and proportion is really important to give my brand its own signature.

- What are your opinions on the current European fashion scenes?

H: It’s an exciting time; the recession has forced some people to dig deep in their mental vaults. When designers do their own thing that’s what makes a difference, I love what Christopher Raeburn is doing, also accessories by Fannie Schiavoni, and some beautiful dip dyed dresses by new designer Felicity Brown.

- You have a very long list of high-profile clients, tell us a bit about the work you have done with some of them?

H: Working with Eva Green was a highlight as she was relatively unknown when I styled her for red carpet events. Mark Ronson was unknown here when I worked with him on his debut album.

- You are also actively involved in the TV, music and sports industries, can you tell us a little bit about your experiences and the main highlights?

H: The main highlight of this job for me is nearly always the travel, I have been to Tokyo, LA and Russia among many other places. I have worked with some of the world’s biggest sports stars like Wayne Rooney and Nike. The ability to see how other people live is invaluable to the way in which I work.

- What are your plans and goals for the near and distant future?

H: Making an SS11 (Spring / Summer 2011) collection as strong as previous work, and starting to work on our 2nd film. I would like to collaborate with some like-minded artists and designers.

- Tell us about your first film that you've been working on..

H: The film is called 'Fixed', it features five Fixed gear riders on their journey into a carpark, and the sparks that fly when they reach the roof. There are some 'H' bags in the film but it's not heavily product placed. It was about making something beautiful that also has an edge to it.

- What would you say has been your greatest professional challenge to date?

H: Dover Street Market was my first customer, delivering their order on time with my first production run, and since then every other customer, getting their orders to them.

- Do you have some words of wisdom for any young stylists and our readers?

H: Be yourself, the battle is not for the strong, nor the race for the swift but for he/she that endures to the end, it’s all possible if you are patient and determined.

Harris Elliott :

http://www.harriselliott.com/

http://www.hbyharris.com

Written by Nashrin Azad