FASHION /
WOMEN
May 15, 2015
Terumi Hagiwara | In Conversation with the Designer of "Thomas Wylde" on His Visit to Japan
Series | Terumi Hagiwara's Fashion Days Vol. 46
THOMAS WYLDE Designer's Visit to Japan Interview!
THOMAS WYLDE, a Los Angeles-based brand, presents collections that are luxurious and feminine, with roots in rock and darkness. Fashion Director Terumi Hagiwara interviewed Paula Thomas, the designer, during her recent visit to Japan.
Interview & Text by Terumi Hagiwara
Powerful Creations That Blend Opposites
I discovered THOMAS WYLDE four years ago. A LA brand not doing runway shows was refreshing. Pairing a frilly chiffon dress with skull-studded engineer boots – that's the THOMAS WYLDE style. It's edgy yet feminine. Paula Thomas, who was also a model, visited Japan for the first time to release a photo book celebrating the brand's 10th season. I interviewed Paula at the welcome dinner.
—You don't present collections in a show format. Are you interested in that?
Creating trends through collections is clearly necessary. But I want to avoid being swept away by trends by participating in them.
—What do you focus on most when creating?
I want to express opposites by translating grotesque themes, like 'death' or 'evil,' into something feminine.
—What kind of woman do you envision?
Myself, of course! I want to create what I want to wear. I want to convey the power of clothing, the power clothes have to transform the wearer. Only 30 percent of women worldwide choose their clothes by their own will. I want to increase the number of women who enjoy fashion.
—Why did you move from London to LA?
I moved from London to Los Angeles when I was 22, but I didn't like it for the first 15 or 16 years. However, it was in LA that I decided to become a designer and my dream came true. I don't think I would have succeeded if I had stayed in London or New York due to the intense competition.
—What are your thoughts on fast fashion, which is popular worldwide?
It's dangerous. They're just making money without any ideas.
—What are your goals for the next 10 years?
For the next 10 years, I want to enrich my work, and after that, I hope to give back in various ways. People are greedy, so sometimes trials are necessary. I realized this profoundly three years ago when I fell ill.
After the Interview... The punk spirit is in the DNA of Londoners. Her easy smile is cultivated by her life in Los Angeles. She is a powerfully creative designer who transforms all of life's ups and downs into her own charm.
From "Ten Times Rosie."
From "Ten Times Rosie."
Paula Thomas
A British woman who worked as a top model for fashion magazines such as "Vogue" and "i-D." She founded the brand "THOMAS WYLDE" in 2006. The brand name is derived from her paternal grandfather, Robert Thomas, and her maternal great-grandmother, Kathlyn Wylde.
"Ten Times Rosie"
Hardcover (240 pages)
Published by Rankin Photography
Price: ¥4,872
This features model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who played the heroine in the movie "Transformers," wearing iconic collections from "THOMAS WYLDE" for 10 seasons, photographed by British photographer Rankin.
Terumi Hagiwara
Fashion Director
Covers the New York, Milan, Paris Ready-to-Wear, and Paris Haute Couture collections each season. Has contributed numerous articles and columns to fashion magazines and newspapers. Also directs the women's line for the select shop "Design Works." Official Bloghttp://hagiwaraterumi-bemode.com/