The first thing I notice about people is their hands, and whether they are gardeners or craftspeople. I think it resonates with me because I love working with my hands, even if I’m just doing papier-mâché or making a lampshade. It was something my mother instilled in me. I suppose styling is really just an extension of that. Growing up we were a very crafty family. My mother did bookbinding and marbling, and my brother was a wonderful ceramicist. We would go to Harrods, measure the clothes and make them ourselves at home. When I left school, my mother and I went to art school together—in those days they gave you a grant that you didn’t have to pay back. My mother did amazingly well; I did unbelievably badly. This story is from Kinfolk Issue Forty Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 49 My Favorite Thing Heidi Gustafson on holding the hand of a faraway friend. Arts & Culture Issue 47 My Favorite Thing Tattooist Dr. Woo on the necklace that money can’t buy. Arts & Culture Issue 46 My Favorite Thing Charles de Vilmorin on the possibilities of a sewing machine. Arts & Culture Issue 45 My Favorite Thing Gladys Chenel on the Egyptian god that oversees her home. Arts & Culture Issue 43 My Favorite Thing David Erritzoe shares the vial that sparked psychedelic thinking. Arts & Culture Issue 41 My Favorite Thing Architect Diébédo Francis Kéré explains the significance of his carved stool.
Arts & Culture Issue 46 My Favorite Thing Charles de Vilmorin on the possibilities of a sewing machine.
Arts & Culture Issue 43 My Favorite Thing David Erritzoe shares the vial that sparked psychedelic thinking.
Arts & Culture Issue 41 My Favorite Thing Architect Diébédo Francis Kéré explains the significance of his carved stool.