Celebrity Interview - Amanda Wakeley
Living the moment - in style
Amanda Wakeley Living the moment - in style
INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED FASHION DESIGNER TO THE STARS SPEAKS TO ANNABEL MILNES-SMITH ABOUT HER RAPID RISE TO FAME WITHIN THE INDUSTRY
Amanda Wakeley is one of Britain's most successful fashion exports. Following the launch of her label in 1990, she forged an enviable reputation for designing innovative, naturally elegant collections that define the very idea of wearable luxury. With a global reach, Amanda's design aesthetic has stood the test of time in the often fickle arena of the British fashion industry; along the way gaining an impressive roll call of some of the world's most famous women as fans and supporters of her label, including Elizabeth Hurley, Joely Richardson and Jennifer Lopez.
Amanda spoke to H! during a rare quiet moment in the midst of her preparations for London Fashion Week.
Your fashion statement has always followed along the lines of simple ideas expressed strongly rather than funky fashion. Has this always been your philosophy?
I've always been more towards style rather than high fashion. It's as simple as that. I have dressed grown-up women who have a sense of themselves; I am not dressing fashion victims or people that want to be in the latest, greatest, hottest, newest trend.
What led you into fashion?
I had lived in America for four years in the mid-eighties, and I came back here and I worked in and around fashion, including modelling. I had always been a dressmaker but could never find the clothes that I wanted to wear. So in 1990 I started a very small collection that I sold to friends and the friends of friends, and then the Princess of Wales was introduced to me and the whole thing snowballed from there.
What was she like to work for?
She was absolutely charming and wonderful. It was a real privilege. She was great fun, with great presence. She was one of life's very special people.
Was the fashion business a childhood dream?
I just really evolved into it. I had a blissfully easy upbringing in Cheshire and was educated at Cheltenham Ladies College. I just always lived the moment. I never had great plans.
Beyond your own collections, you've taken on projects as diverse as designing uniforms for BT Telecoms staff. How was that?
It was a great challenge. I really enjoyed it. Dealing with unbelievable technologically challenged fabrics. It was not that difficult. It was quite refreshing moving away from the theme of making women look sexy. I am a very practical person, and am not all about glamour and fashion frivolity... I would hate to think of my clothes as frivolous. There is an intelligence to them in that they are beautiful and of lasting quality. Amanda recently launched a fine jewellery collection, Amanda Wakeley Jewel, working with semi-precious and precious stones, and including a select range of engagement rings. Here the emphasis will be on modern simplicity, for women buying their own jewellery.
What inspired you to focus on jewellery?
I really wanted women to be able to buy their own jewellery rather than wait for it as a gift. I also strived to give good value for money and to create jewellery that was beautifully crafted but not too precious. One of my favourite pieces is a diamond baguette suspended on a leather thong. I sell them by the inch. So you can make it as long or short as you want.
Which celebrity would you most like to see wearing your clothes?
I don't like to get obsessed with the whole celebrity thing. I like to think I dress real women. However, I love the style and glamour that Scarlett Johannsen has. She has that wonderful Hollywood old-fashioned look that has really been missing since the Judy Garland era. I would love to have the opportunity of dressing her. Her style is perfect for my brand. She is very womanly and curvy. She's not afraid of dressing up, putting her high heels on and having fun. I am so happy to see that fashion has now moved on from that whole boho concept into glamour again.
Who is your favourite designer?
There are various historical ones. I always look at their work. For instance, Madam Gres, and Halston in his heyday. It is very important to have your brand value and identity and stick to it. It's important to be aware of general movements in the fashion industry, but I'm confident enough in my own brand that I do not aspire to be like anyone else.
What do you think is going to be 'in' this year?
For spring/summer I have created a total holiday wardrobe for modern glamorous cruise wear - a mix of party dresses for all types of locations from beach to yachts and any other exotic locations in between!
What are your favourite restaurants?
I love San Lorenzo's; they let me take my dog Lola with me when I dine there, which is a rare thing in London! My favourite place is a romantic evening with my boyfriend, here at home. There is of course Club 55 on the beach in St Tropez, a clear favourite of mine too.
If you were not a designer, what would you like to do?
Be a travel photographer, but I know it would be a totally different life with a lot of solitude in it, which I love, but it is a real life decision.
Who are your favourite catwalk models?
Oh that changes every season. New girls are coming through every season. We are about to start casting for London Fashion Week. In fashion terms, it is lovely to see how women like Yasmin Le Bon get better and better with each season. There are of course the Linda Evangelistas and the Christie Turlingtons of this world as well, who are enduring beauties.
What do you think about cosmetic surgery?
It's a very personal thing. If it works for you, get on with it. Let's face it; it doesn't hurt anyone else, as long as it does not hurt you.
Would you ever consider having it?
If I felt it was right, then yes. I think as a woman you just let yourself evolve, and do as much or as little as you want to do with anti-ageing.
If you were having a dinner party and could invite anyone, who would they be?
I would love to meet or spend time with the Dalai Lama, but there should be a mix of fantastic conversation and side-splitting laughter. I would have Billy Connolly. I still find him very funny, as I have done for the last 30 years.
You obviously go to a lot of social events. Do you enjoy them?
I only go to ones that I know I will!
Have you any plans for opening up in Marbella?
I never say never, and I know that whenever I am away, it is the only time I get to shop. I would love to but it is something we are not planning on for the immediate future.
Amanda Wakeley's achievements in fashion are beyond impressive: she was awarded the British Fashion Award for Glamour in 1992, 1993 and 1996, and her collection (which shows each year in London, New York and Paris) is now stocked in more than 50 stores around the world, from the Middle East and Europe to the Far East, including the prestigious Barneys department store in New York and Beverly Hills. She also has her own flagship store, Amanda Wakeley, in London and six concessions around the UK.
So there is only one step to be made in 2006, and that is Marbella. We're ready, willing and certainly fashionably able to greet Amanda Wakeley, not only with open arms, but open wallets to boot.
