Christopher Bailey is interviewed by Glenda Bailey and photographed by David Bailey for Harper’s Bazaar’s December issue, and as he celebrates a decade at Burberry, he discusses merging English heritage with fashion’s cutting edge, choosing Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as one of the faces of the brand, and more.
GB: What makes working for a British label different?
CB: We’ve got our own DNA. I describe it as disheveled elegance, this beautiful craftsmanship with something a bit broken up. That’s very close to my personal view on design. That’s probably what is different. American fashion is much more glossy.
GB: What made you choose Rosie Huntington-Whiteley as one of the faces of the brand?
CB: I love her warmth and strength and vulnerability. She has a real point of view. She’s the most fun to hang out with and the most professional and fun to work with.
GB: And Kate Moss?
CB: Kate is Kate. She has become this British icon who is defined by her own style. She knows exactly what she wants and what she likes. That’s a different side of Britishness, and it’s the same with someone like Stella Tennant, who has this incredible lineage and elegance. I think she’s always spent her Christmases at Chatsworth House [home of the Duke of Devonshire]. Cara Delevingne, who I adore as well, is the same.
GB: Who’s the girl who just makes your toes curl up?
CB: Gosh, they all do for completely different reasons. Emma Watson is such a good and kind person. Every time I see her, it’s a giggle to talk about the stuff we’ve done together. I’ve got special times with all of them and continue to. They become part of your life.
Read more at: http://www.harpersbazaar.com/
