The Handbook Meets Fashion Designer & All-Round Tastemaker, Harris Reed
The Handbook’s Astrid Carter chats to London-based fashion designer Harris Reed on martinis, Harry Styles and his segue into the interiors world. Get ready for some seriously chic recommendations…
Fashion designer Harris Reed has solidified his status as one of the most visionary creative forces of our generation. The Central Saint Martins alumnus was dressing Harry Styles before he even graduated, and since then, he has built a stellar portfolio of fans that includes Beyoncé, Adele, and Florence Pugh. Having recently stepped down from his Creative Director role at Nina Ricci (the youngest to ever take the title in the house’s history), he is focusing on his eponymous label, based here in London. But his signature aesthetic of high-octane glamour mixed with 1970s rock-and-roll, blended with decadent and historically referenced drama, isn’t just for the catwalk; he’s officially moved into the world of interiors too.
If you caught the recent tour of his West London apartment in Architectural Digest (a “Wes Anderson-meets-Oscar Wilde fantasyland”), you’ll know why his new collaboration with Fromental is highly anticipated. The collection features the same intricate, hand-painted wallcoverings seen in his own home and his recent SS26 show, where he famously turned interior silks into couture.
Reed is one of the most visionary creative forces of our generation.
Beyond work, Harris is the ultimate London insider. He knows exactly where to find the city’s best martini, the must-know sun-drenched corner of Kensington, and has incredible product recommendations for maintaining that iconic hair. Scroll for a peek into the maximalist and utterly tasteful world of Harris Reed.
For a special celebratory dinner… that’s a no-brainer. Julies. The balcony. Martini in hand.
The local spot I go to the most… I would probably have to say it’s the Supermarket of Dreams, Notting Hill. I’m guilty of buying breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as flowers galore.
The best place for a cocktail… has to be Roof Gardens in Kensington.
The coolest pub is… The Pelican on All Saints Road.
For a cute date-night spot… try Sushi Atelier in Fitzrovia, it has everything you need for a date night, an omakase setting and more.
My favourite place to dance until the small hours is… probably my living room floor because I’m a big hoster.
My secret London spots are… Charlotte Sayers at Gray’s Antiques or Jewels UK on Portobello for little secret gems and jewels.
To be wowed, go to The Dove. And you have to get the burger.
The place that has wowed me the most recently… is The Dove. And you have to get the burger.
When the sun is shining… I love to go to The Roof Gardens. 100% But, for public spaces, I’d probably say Holland Park, especially when the opera is on – it’s a beautiful and wonderful environment.
The best vintage market in London is… Portobello Market. I know it is an obvious choice, but it is the obvious choice for a reason, and more specifically, Ladbroke, just underneath the station overpass, on Friday mornings. It is in the very early, wee hours of the day that you’ll get the best deals. So go early, or you’ll miss out.
When I’m looking for a gift for someone… I think I’m biased, because I get to make everything with my hands, so I’d probably say vintage or secondhand. I love Retro Woman in Notting Hill. You can find a good thing for under 50 quid, especially if it’s for a friend’s birthday. I always buy a unique and weird piece from there. Or, for something even more personal, I’ll gift from my jewellery collection.
The florist I love and always use is… Flowerbx. They are a go-to when I’m in a pinch. Otherwise, I love to buy fresh lilies from The Supermarket of Dreams, or the amazing flower stand in Notting Hill on Elgin Crescent.
The galleries and museums I regularly check out are… The V&A, of course, the National Portrait Gallery, as well as White Cube, Sadie Cole and the Gagosian in Mayfair. The last show I saw was the Richard Avedon exhibit at the Gagosian, and I just found it so moving. They have such a consistently good curation when they do their shows.
When I need some relaxation and downtime… I love Ayanna Spa, near where I live. Honestly, it just gets the job done, and they are all so kind and sweet – it’s a little gem for me.
For my hair, it has to be… Josh Wood, who I absolutely adore, and Mads, who does my hair colour. He’s done it for the last seven years and is an absolute gem. For products. I love the Kerristas Overnight Serum and the Elixir. I also use the Balmain shampoo and conditioner. I love Oribe too – for the dry shampoo and the oil for the ends of my hair. I’m just a massive mélange (my favourite French word) of different hair products.
For interiors, I love to shop at… Fromental and Porta Romana, these are brands that I’m totally obsessed with. I also love B&B Italia, but then I love to mix new pieces with vintage. I think it’s important to have a beautiful mixture of both. It’s like an outfit: it’s what makes everything come to life. And again, Portobello Market, which I know I say a lot, but you can buy everything and anything you need there.
For my own home… I’ve collaborated with some amazing, fabulous people. Such as Sally Storey on the beautiful lighting, Farrow & Ball, obviously on the paint, who I just loved, Fromental, Porta Romana and B&V Italia. All just fabulous, fabulous people.
What are you currently listening to… Harry Styles’ new album. I’m re-watching Ugly Betty, 90210, and Downton Abbey. I actually need something new to watch. Don’t judge me, but I’m reading Heated Rivalry, the book. Because, you know, I can’t watch it for the eighth time, can I?
When I’m in Paris… I stay at Soho House, just because they have everything and anything you need. I love it when you go for two days, and you only need to bring a pair of underwear, and you’re good to go. For a drink, I would recommend La Belle Epoque – it’s the best people-watching. And, for dinner, I would say Ojii. It’s just divine.
When I’m seeking the countryside… I head to The Newt. It’s where I got engaged, and I’m biased because of that. I first went to it on opening weekend, and now I think it’s the number one boutique hotel in the world. I love any of The Pigs, and again, Farmhouse never does you wrong.
I think The Newt is the number one boutique hotel in the world.
The most gorgeous hotel I’ve ever stayed in… is Claridge’s. Hands down, it is my favourite place in the city. Outside of that, I would say, Mezzatorre in Ischia, run by the incredible Mary Louise, is like a little piece of heaven on a plate. But this summer, I’d love to go to Rome, because I need my fix of artichoke and to see that light that’s as close to the LA sky as you can get in Europe.
Mezzatorre in Ischia, is a little piece of heaven on a plate.
My favourite city in the world… has to be London. It’s home, where my husband, my dog and my business are. It’s where I can be myself. It’s where I can be inspired. And, it’s where my heart is. I just love this city with my whole heart.
Check out the Fromental x Harris Reed collection at fromental.com
