What were your inspirations for the new collection?
I was mainly inspired by England, Scotland, country chic, Stella Tennant, and English music bands from the 60s.
What is the theme, the specific story you want to tell with this autumn-winter collection?
A number of stories come to mind: a young woman in a slightly dilapidated castle, a walk in the fields, a cup of hot tea by the fire, wrapped up in a cashmere jumper, reading Emily Brontë. It's also a tale of elegant casualness, the codes of luxury without the conformism, a modern-day Lady Chatterley, but with Lucian Freud paintings on the wall and Blow-up streaming.
How does this theme translate into the designs?
We have tweed, flared trousers, printed velvet, floral shirts, chunky woollen or cashmere jumpers, tartan jumpers, jackets that look like those of Doctor March's four daughters. We also have moccasins, velvet slippers, suede or leather Camargue-style boots, khaki, beige like an old Land Rover, and very seventies prints.
Is there a favourite piece that you feel particularly strongly about?
The outfit that springs to mind is the black velvet suit with gold motifs, as I'm always looking for something to wear for the evening without looking like an engorged lampshade. This suit is a mix of chic and rock'n'roll; worn with a man's shirt and loafers, for example, it's the perfect outfit for lots of occasions.
Is there a piece in this collection that is a personal nod, or has a specific meaning for you?
I've always had an old corduroy jacket (which my teams know like the back of their hand, by the way), so we made a new one based on it.
If you had to describe the collection in 3 words?
Chic, warm and charming.
If this collection were a work of art, what would it be?
Without a doubt, Marcel Duchamp's Bottle Carrier (laughs)!
At first you think it's just practical, but in the end you realise that it's unique.
