Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I've been asked, "are you for real?" quite a few times this week. So other people might use "strange" to describe me. As a person I believe I am composed of my values and interests; as they evolve, so do I, but fundamentally I'm an aesthetic nerd.
Where did you grow up?
In the south of France in this little place above Cannes, called Mougins and London.
What was your childhood like?
Memories I have are filled with exploring serene landscapes in Mougins, playing with fascinating objects and ornaments I'd find in the house. Clothes were so important; my style was a personal tussle between my Grandmother and mother, I loved wearing black even then! I'd chase our Saint Bernard Watson around the house and pretend he was some abominable horse. When we moved to London the closest tube station was Knightsbridge; that imprint of walking by store windows that lined Sloane Street en route to school really shaped my idea of design at such a young age. On the way back from school we'd pick up a baguette for dinner, it's probably why I refuse to quit bread.
What time do you wake up?
5am.
Do you eat breakfast?
Is black coffee a meal?
Favourite time of day?
4pm-6:30pm
Favourite shape?
The human form.
Favourite aesthetic?
The human form.
Spirit Animal?
Baby panda.
What do you do?
My consultancy Intuition & Strategy approaches it quite unlike others because I've been doing this for 10 years-- I've seen fashion and design from all sides and in different stages. This multi level perspective helps devise future proof and meaningful strategy that is authentic. I've experienced the base design + production level, as a CEO/brand owner, stylist, promoter, marketer, writer, agency all the way at the last stage and most importantly as a consumer.
What do you do for fun?
Everything. I love my work, I love down time with friends, I love also thinking of nothing and staring at a plant. It might sound crazy but I don't think I've said I was bored this year. I try to choose how I spend my time wisely, and have a low tolerance for wasting it.
Do you know why the sky is blue?
Rayleigh effect. It's an optical illusion. Because of the scattering of radiation and particles. (I didn't Google this, one of my favourite questions to ask and answer to people too!)
What's feminism to you?
Something that's so misunderstood. Equality.
If you could transport yourself to any decade, which one and why?
I'd be a professional time traveller if I could transport myself! 1920s, Paris to be a part of the Dada movement. 1950, I'd find Carlos Scarpa somewhere and insist he hire me or teach me to imagine space and architecture under his school of thought. 1960 Madmen days I'd have thrived, would have loved to change the perception of women in advertising. Or the 1970's to be part of Woodstock, I love the music and bell bottoms. I'd even go back more recently and be a part of Berlin's 2009 minimal tech and deep house music production scene.
Last book you read.
I just revisited Keats collected poetry, a client needed a verbose and romantic narrative, and I needed to go back to high school syllabi to make it happen.
Your self care tips.
Hugs, sleep, dancing and finding a little way to make yourself smile every single day.
What did you want to be as a kid?
What I am now.
Are the 90's back?
They'll never leave, at least for our generation.
All images by Tenzin Lhagyal.
