White is always right

What is the ideology behind Thomas Wylde?

From the very start, Thomas Wylde’s top priorities have been on the quality of the clothing and accessories and the quality of our customer’s experience. And we’ve always relied on our own creativity and instincts, rather than attempting to target trends, so that we create timeless investment pieces that hint at this rebellious attitude.

From 2006, when you started to now, how has the modern woman changed or altered her tastes?

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I think one’s tastes stays true to their likes. The modern woman values her experience with brands. She tends to seek for the label that matches her positive experience of the brands or designers season after season. What has really changed since 2006 is that a modern woman faces so many choices, and she has easy access all her favourite brands and looks at her fingertips. She can purchase almost all her desires without visiting stores. So to catch today’s modern woman’s attention, I tend to stay within the brand’s DNA, which is effortless, eye-catching, yet timeless styles married to rock and roll elements.

One thing you gave women that you are proud of?

I’m often challenged by women with statements like ‘I would never wear that’ and ‘that is not my style’, but after I start to dress them, they often say that they would never have discovered how much they love this style until I showed them how to wear it. It’s wonderful to be able to help them discover a new style that bolsters their confidence.

Your skull print is iconic, where did the idea come from?

The Henna skull was the result of looking to design something that didn’t fit the standard look in luxury brands or ‘fashion’, and twisting it into something highly desirable. Many sketches later, we created the skull--something eye-catching and slightly rebellious, but still sophisticated and chic.

Miley Cyrus, Jane Fonda, Rihanna, Nicole Richie and Cameron Diaz, you styled exclusively in the label for the Ridley Scott film The Counselor. Are you looking at doing more cinema-based costumes?

I am very much inspired by storytelling. Each season, the collection is presented with a story behind it. I also love working with people I admire. Collaboration has always been the method that I am most interested in. So yes, I would love to have an opportunity to create a great project that showcases our work in a different way.

You are also foraying into fine jewellery and e-commerce....

We are dipping our toes into ecommerce. It’s a market that continues to grow, and it’s also a great way to reach out to our followers around the world and offer them the opportunity to view Thomas Wylde’s world and be able to purchase a much broader selections. I am so excited to interact with our consumers and learn more about them. We have tested the fine jewellery market and I hope to grow in this area. I would love to offer more iconic pieces such henna skull engraved ring, cross string necklace and ear pieces in black gold and black diamonds.

Would you ever think of coming to India? Any Indian designer you have liked or admired?

I love India and in my previous work, I use to go New Delhi several times a year. I love the craftsmanship of India has to offer the fashion world. I am always inspired by such a variety of endless colour palettes that I can only find in India. Once I was fortunate enough to have an experience of attending my dear friend’s Indian wedding and I will never forget the three-day long spectacular festival and spiritual ceremony. Truly a rare and once in a lifetime experience. I always tell my friends, if you ever get invited to an Indian wedding, drop anything to make it happen. I also love Jaipur and the Taj Mahal.

As for Indian designers, I admire Manish Arora. I love his strong point of view and to me he is the Alexander McQueen of India. I would love to meet him in person one day.

What are the five big trends for fall winter for you?

I am a designer who is not so much into trends but wants to offer what I would like to see my ladies in for the coming season:

All white look: This season my ladies are in different shades of whites. Well tailored slightly off white cashmere coat paired with oversized Mongolian fur bag is one of the key looks I would like to offer.

Furs: They are luxurious and avant-garde.

Cashmere: Super-luxe cashmere sweaters in basic but slightly over sized shapes, accentuated by eye catching metal zippers.

Fringe bags: They are super adorable!

Knee-length boots: Slouchy ones are cool.

What is your definition of success?

My definition of success is the satisfaction that comes with overcoming your own obstacles in life that may in turn inspire others to do the same.