The Riverside Journals - Festivals Issue 38 - FULL | Page 63

Why eyewear? Where did this passion come from?
It was something I had wanted to do from a very young age. I was obsessed with sunglasses
as a child and I think it was all our trips to Italy which made me so. My mother would take
us shopping in Rome and Florence and I really developed a passion for craftsmanship and
classic design .
When and where did you first envisage Taylor Morris eyewear?
Taylor Morris Eyewear was conceived when Charlie and I were at a beach party in Formentera
in Ibiza. We were getting fairly trashed and just kept on talking about how great it would
be to create our own label. We started sketching out some ideas and things just kind of
went from there.
Taking the classic, and modernising it into another timeless piece, is a wonderful skill.
Did you inherit these artistic genes from anyone in particular?
I studied History of Art at the Courtauld Institute. They place a very large emphasis on
classicism and how all great art is recreated from what has come to pass before. I have
since had a great respect for heritage, origin and pastiche.

On the website you have many many celebrities “selfying” or
being snapped in your eyewear. How did that start?
It all just kind of did. We are lucky to have lots of celebrity fans from Pippa Middleton to
Kylie Minogue and Cara Delevingne.
I understand you were the brainchild behind the Made In Chelsea concept and actually
filmed a pilot? Did you have the same characters and where did you get your idea from?
I was involved in making a pilot of Made in Chelsea about two and a half years before I
was approached by E4. Rosie, Spencer, Caggie and Millie were all in that original pilot, so
I am delighted that we did eventually all get to make Made in Chelsea, as the original pilot
was rejected by MTV as they thought it was not quite right. Error on their part, as the show
eventually won a BAFTA. I am immensely proud of my time on Made in Chelsea and will
only ever look back with happiness that I got to be part of something original and cool.
How was I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here really?
What was the best and worst of the experience?
There is nothing better than to push yourself out your comfort zone. I had a great time. It
was like starting over again at boarding school but this time instead of being on Harrow
Hill I was in a jungle. Best part were the people (well, some of them), worst part was the
torturous hunger. I lost two stone in three weeks!
What’s next for Hugo Taylor?
Taylor Morris will almost certainly be moving into other
areas. We are starting off with expertly crafted leather
goods and some iconic yet simple jewellery. Then after
that who knows. I just got offered my first film role which
is a lovely compliment and am also in discussion with
various networks about making a three-part documentary
on the polarization of wealth. Either way I just want to
keep having fun!
www.Taylor-Morris.com

by Michele Brooks
the riverside journals

Co-founder &
Creative Director of
Taylor Morris

How would you suggest somebody choose the ideal pair for them?
Is there a quick sure guide to picking the perfect pair?
Charlie and I love doing pop-up shops and events where we can help our customers pick
their perfect pair. My normal advice is your first choice is always the best. Trust your eye and
trust your taste. I personally look at the character of the customer and translate that into
our glasses. Nine times out of ten I get it spot on.

63

Interview
with
Hugo
Taylor

Which piece are you most proud of ?
I have about four or five pieces I am really proud of. Obviously I love them all but Charlie
Morris and I are very harsh critics of ourselves and what we create. We always believe we
can do better. The company is focused on continual improvement. I would say our blue lens
Vredefort and the Ivory RollRight are truly iconic pieces with their own identity and character.