Henry Holland: Head Creative Director of House of Holland

Grazia Daily: How did you become involved in the Pudsey Bear 2012 Project for BBC’s Children in Need?

Henry Holland: I got involved last year, when it was much smaller. The bears were smaller, the scale was smaller. But it was a really fun project to do, so when we heard it was coming back for another year, we got really excited. And this year it’s even bigger and better.

Grazia Daily: You put so much creativity into your Pudsey, did you have any inspirations with the design?

Henry Holland: Well this one, and the last one, referenced our latest shows. This one is our A/W 2012 show; he’s like an extension, so we dressed Pudsey in a very House of Holland outfit. Very unbrand!

Grazia Daily: How has this collaboration differed from other collaborations you’ve done in the past?

Henry Holland: Well for one, it’s a really amazing cause, and it’s also exciting and fun. I love looking at them all together, I hadn’t seen them [all together] until now.

Grazia Daily: Pudsey is so iconic, what was your design concept in balancing the icon with your own vision?

Henry Holland: Well if you grew up in England, you grew up with Pudsey. I think we just wanted to inject a little bit of fun into him. He’s fun and it’s such fun project, we just wanted to give him a wacky House of Holland outfit.

Grazia Daily: This is such a different collaboration, and the child will have such a unique experience in receiving your bear.

Henry Holland: I don’t know how many children will know the significance of receiving a Paul Smith, Fendi or House of Holland bear, but that’s what makes it so fun. It’s taking something very childlike and putting it in the realm of very high fashion.

Grazia Daily: It’s great you have such passion for the cause! Did you have a favourite teddy growing up?

Henry Holland: I did! Me and my sister had similar bears growing up, hers was yellow and mine was white. Mine was called Snuff and hers was called Snot!