VOGUE ITALIA: On the jury for H&M Design Award 2016: Kate Bosworth talks to us about why coming second matters, new designers and what you wear when there’s not time to plan
It was a carefully selected jury consisting of actress and style icon Kate Bosworth, the general of the Balmain parade Olivier Rousteing, blogger phenomenon Chiara Ferragni and photographer Nick Knight who had been put to the difficult task of picking a winner among the eight designer finalists for the H&M Design Award 2016. Together with members of the press, the esteemed jury was gathered in the Orangery in Kensington Palace in London (a venue where Nicole Hilton’s wedding had taken place a few months earlier) to watch a catwalk of selected outfits from the finalists. After a long deliberation, the jurors had made their decision with the conclusion: For her oversized yet masterful silhouettes, British designer Hanna Jinkins was awarded first prize; a one year-long mentorship at H&M and a sum of €50, 000 for her future development as a designer.
We took a moment to talk to Kate Bosworth about her role on the jury and her thoughts on personal style. She greeted me backstage with her winning smile, and her genuine awe for the designers was instantly evident; ”I feel it was such big honour to be a part of the jury. These designers have put so much effort in to their collections. Of course, Hanna won and we all loved her but there were many designers with beautiful collections. I told some of them; ‘I’m gonna call you to borrow that dress!”. With her successful eye for fashion and enthusiasm, I felt convinced that she would follow up on her promise. She continued: ”Something I’ve learnt as an artist in the world, is that it might seem like the opportunity you went for didn’t work out, or you didn’t achieve what you aimed for. But there’s always a domino effect and something good will come out of your efforts, so you should always keep trying.
In the context of emerging designers, I couldn’t help but wonder if she has a favourite at the moment. ”Erdem”, she answered with little doubt. And jewellery designer Susan Foster. “This ring,” she showed me, holding up a well-manicured finger ”is the only piece I feel that doesn’t try to compete with my wedding ring”. And what about the more established designers? ”These Miu Miu shoes are just so wearable and with the right amount of detail. I love the glitter heel, which is just so in the moment, you know? She smiled, holding her foot up high for me to see. It definitely seems that Kate preaches what she teaches, or at least wears.
Her well-put together outfit of a peach-coloured knit sweater and leather skirt looked effortless and casually elegant, yet I suspected that a lot of planning had gone into her look as a juror at the award ceremony. What about when there’s no time to plan? “Black is always the good way to go” she hinted towards my all-black outfit and I couldn’t help but blush. “It’s something that instantly looks chic and that you can feel comfortable in. A blazer perhaps and a skirt would be my choice if I didn’t have time to plan my outfit”. I concluded the interview with asking her if she prefers red carpet dressing or casual dressing, to which she gasped; “Gosh, I don’t know! But red carpet dressing feels like reliving my prom a little bit!”. She giggled, revealing how despite her role on the jury and title of a style queen, she allows herself to take fashion a little light sometimes too.
By: Anna Madsen