Henry Holland on Charli XCX, Ceramics & Champagne

How and why did you make the leap from fashion to ceramics?

I got into ceramics after my fashion business was sold on. I was at the point where I was ready for change – I was pretty burnt out and exhausted. Initially, I planned to take a few months, but after two weeks I realised I was yearning to create something with my hands, so I took some ceramics lessons just as we were easing into lockdown. As the pandemic became more intense, I ordered more clay and really got the bug. I started posting on Instagram and people just went wild for it. Within a matter of weeks, I set up the business and within an hour of the website going live, we sold 150 items. And now it pays the mortgage! 

Tell me about the Art Deco mug that started the collection?

In one of my first classes, we were told to make whatever we like. My mum was an antiques dealer and was a big collector of the period, so that was a big inspiration. From my fashion background, I’m so used to experimenting with fabrics, weaving and digital printing – all techniques that create a really strong, graphic distinction between colours. I saw some videos about nerikomi – a Japanese marbling technique – and went down a rabbit hole. It just really felt like my type of aesthetic.

Do you think people are drawn to the business because of its handmade nature at a time of such digital overload?

I think the initial boom happened because we were in the pandemic; people were locked in their houses and became obsessed with improving their environments. Everyone started intentionally considering those everyday rituals like drinking a cup of coffee or having a bowl of cereal.

Now, we’re seeing a strong appetite for our workshops, where people can come in and make their own mug. There’s definitely something about being handmade in Hackney that’s attractive to customers. Actually, a lot of people are shocked to hear that nothing is made in a factory or that we’re not part of a much bigger outfit in China or India.

You’ve just launched a collaboration with Champagne Lanson. Tell us how that came about.

The brief was to focus on the rosé cuvée, so it was really about reflecting the different notes and flavours within our layered look. I wanted to create an accessory that people could take to a party and gift the host, which is where the idea for the bag came from. We partnered with a weaver in Devon to create the knotted Champagne bag, and then the ceramic base and bag charm can be taken out and reused as a coaster or Christmas decoration. 

Do you have any specific Christmas Champagne rituals at home?

Champagne is always the perfect welcome drink. I like to serve it with a fresh raspberry or strawberry to make it look even more chic, in a flute – I’m too clumsy for a coupe.

Do you host Christmas at home?

Christmas for me is all about family. My parents and my husband's parents live really close by, so we do both. So, we're with at least one side of the family at all times. It's really just about eating, drinking, celebrating together, playing games and going on long walks. It's such a precious time.

Charli XCX recently wore a latex t-shirt of yours. Would you be tempted to ever come out with another line?

That happened so organically. We were at a party together and Charli asked if I would ever make t-shirts again. I said: “Well, I would for you!” She told me, “I know you think I’m going to forget about this, but I’m going to text you tomorrow.” And she did.

It was really nice to feel celebrated for my work, but it did bring back a bit of PTSD and anxiety about what people would think. Fashion is so public-facing and you’re putting your heart and soul on a platter for people to critique four times a year. I started my fashion business at 22, and it was the perfect reflection of who I was then. All I did was go out every night and dress people for those types of events. Now I like to stay home, so ceramics feels like a much better fit.

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Your style was very 00s. What’s one thing you’d resuscitate from that time and one thing you hope never to see again?

I’d bring back no phones. We used to go out looking awful and have fun. Now, everyone’s on the dance floor with their phones and it’s just not the same.

If I had to bring something back, ironically, it’d be a BlackBerry camera flash or BBM pings.

You mentioned you work with your husband. What’s that like?

90 per cent of the time it’s amazing because you’re building something with the person you love most and trust implicitly. You’re building something together. 10 per cent of the time, it’s fucking awful. There’s no in-between. If you're having a row at work, it goes home. If you're having a row at home, it goes to work. But most of the time, it's really special.

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Were you apprehensive at all about bringing him into the business?

Not really. I ran my first business with my best friend from school. That’s just the environment I feel most comfortable in and it’s the biggest privilege about running a business – getting to choose who you work with. I tend to veer toward the people I love most.

I read that you're a Real Housewives fan. Do you have a favourite franchise?

I’m obsessed! I found out yesterday that my old investor, Ana Karina, is the new Housewife of London. Anna Karina.

I will die on the altar of Housewives because I believe that is such a strong commentary on culture. People think that it's just women arguing around a dinner table and screeching at each other. Still, it's literally shining a light on women who have lived incredible lives, have fascinating stories to tell, and are at a point in their lives that isn't often showcased. These women are fascinating – they're mothers, they're wives, they're divorced, they're businesswomen, they're CEOs, all these things. It's this whole segment of women that previously would have been too old to be on TV. I 100 per cent think it's changed the culture. Also, I have a crush on Andy Cohen.