No Man Is An Island
Some designers build collections out of the wispiest of ideas.
A Peter Beard photograph or an old Barbour jacket found in the charity shop of a horse-obsessed town.
Hester Bly, the fascinating female led brand I’ve been working with for the past couple of years, takes rather the opposite approach. Named for two extraordinary women, who did great brave things long before women were really allowed to do much, Nellie Bly, the founder of investigative journalism and early advocate for mental health and Lady Hester Stanhope, survivor of a shipwreck and the first person to conduct modern archeology.
Using these two fearless women as a sort of true north, each small, thoughtful collection is designed around the idea of a place. Each forever dress brings the spirit of the place to life. Spring 2021 is called Bora Bora. It’s filled with all the vibrancy and romance of French Polynesia’s leading lady.
Bora Bora launched in the midst of international lockdowns, when instead of dancing under the stars, many of us were hunkered down around board games trying to stay sane and feel connected to those we love, like or look to for interesting ideas.
With the words of John Donne’s poem from 1624, “No Man Is An Island” and the idea of resilience as our guides, we plotted a series of conversations with interesting people to find out how things were going on their own personal islands.
Over a few weeks I chatted with really fascinating group of people. Sofia Vergara, internationally beloved actress. Ben Fogle, intrepid explorer, fun dad and aficionado of running nearly naked when it is two degrees below zero outside. Laura Brown, who helms InStyle magazine with a real dash of spice. Beloved Telegraphwriter, author and Mad World podcast host Byrony Gordon. Deesha Dyer, former White House social secretary to President Barack Obama, freelance writer for the Philadelphia Citypaper and founder of Be Girl World, a partner in the Hester Bly Scholarships program. We wrapped up with Naomi Watts, self-described “late bloomer,” acclaimed actress and beauty entrepreneur.
This was fun, although sending the request for them to join the Instagram Live never seemed to get any less tricky. On days when you need a lift, a laugh or even a touch of grit, play one of these and remember that No Man Is An Island.
Some of their best bits are here, for when you just need a quick jolt of connection.
“Change the angle of the camera to not look at yourself but look at the people who need help.” — Sofia Vergara
“Creativity is important in life. A lot of people just focus on absolutism. My whole life has instead been a meandering curve.” — Ben Fogle
“You’ve got to make a big thing small. You can’t get overwhelmed by it.” — Laura Brown
“All mental illnesses lie to you. They tell you you’re a freak and no one else knows what you’re going through, but in reality, other people are going through exactly what you are.” — Byrony Gordon
“Do whatever you can do. Maybe you’re best writing a check. Maybe you’re a mentor. Maybe you can collect supplies. Not every task is for you, but you can help. Find a way to use your talents.” — Deesha Dyer
“Be embracing of your failures. Have your plan in place. Reach for that goal but be prepared to reset the plan and enjoy the journey.” — Naomi Wats
