Fashion designer Henry Holland: ‘I’ve thought about a nose job but everyone says I’ll look different. That’s the point!’

Born in Greater Manchester, Henry Holland, 43, worked as a stylist and fashion editor for Smash Hits magazine. In 2006, he gained attention for his witty slogan T-shirts which were worn during London fashion week. Two years later, he founded his fashion label, House of Holland, and in 2020, he established Henry Holland Studio, which specialises in ceramics and homewares. He has curated There’s No Place Like It, an exhibition at The Royal Society of Sculptors in London, which runs until 28 November. He is married and lives in London.

When were you happiest?
In my late teen years, on that verge of having independence and no responsibilities.

What is your greatest fear?
Going through grief and the loss of a parent was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done, so it happening again is my biggest fear.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Procrastination.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Laziness.

What is your most treasured possession?
This chain I wear round my neck, which was my mum’s.

Describe yourself in three words
Playful, ambitious, silly.

What makes you unhappy?
A lack of connection to people.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?
The Real Housewives – all franchises but primarily Salt Lake City, Beverly Hills and Orange County.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My nose – it’s big and it’s got a lump in the middle. I’ve thought about a nose job. But everyone says no, I’ll look different. I’m like: that’s the point!

Who would play you in the film of your life?
A young Sean Penn.

What is your most unappealing habit?
Vaping.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?
Famous.

Would you choose fame or anonymity?
Now, anonymity, for sure.

Have you said ‘I love you’ and not meant it?
Yes, probably to a girl.

Which living person do you most despise, and why?
It’s a three-way tie between Elon Musk, Donald Trump and Nigel Farage.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Yes.

What has been your biggest disappointment?
Not becoming an Olympic gymnast.

How often do you have sex?
Do you speak to your mother with that mouth? None of your business.

What is the closest you’ve come to death?
My Uber driver lost consciousness at the wheel. I’d just started my ceramics business and the car was full of pots that were destined for Liberty. I had to reach through and drive the car from the back seat. We ended up crashed into a bollard and all the air bags came up and the window smashed. It was quite intense. And do you know what? Uber charged me for the trip!

What has been your closest brush with the law?
Lots of speeding tickets.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Do things your way.