One of London’s fastest rising fashion designers, Kim Jones has gained cult status worldwide for his casual yet sleek menswear that made its Paris debut last year. Having graduated from Central St. Martins in 2001, Jones has shown his collections in several ways—from films with Toyin, to a book with American art photographer Luke Smalley, as well as numerous fashion shows. Alongside his own collection, Jones also designs and works for a variety of companies. He designs a range for sports brand UMBRO, entitled UMBRO by Kim Jones, and is also responsible for the range’s visuals, from art direction to photography. Jones’s latest collection is available for the first time in hip boutique Front Row at Ann Siang Hill.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
Well, originally I wanted to be a zoologist, then a photographer, then a designer. But maybe I’ll move on to film soon, or something else.

Has fashion always been your first passion?
It’s always been a big interest, but there are a lot of other interests too. Sometimes I love fashion, other times I hate it!

What is your biggest achievement?
Just being here, where I am, I guess. Life’s not that easy, really, is it, and just to achieve a little bit you have to give a lot. Although I must admit I’m lucky at times.

What inspires you?
Anything inspires me. I enjoy finding out about new things and it can be literally anything: From a person to a song to a photo or a film.

How do you recharge?
Diet Coke and music.

What’s playing in your iPod/MP3/CD player?
Ron Hardy mixes and the Annie soundtrack, weirdly enough.

What do you collect?
A selection of ’70s and ’80s London designers from Leigh Bowery to Rachel Auburn to Vivienne Westwood, along with records, books and my own photographs.

Where would you like to live?
I’ve lived all over Africa and South America along with other places. I wouldn’t mind living in South Africa for about two months a year, and Brazil for a month. I guess I already stay in New York for one month a year anyway. But a nice island somewhere like the Maldives would be good for a few weeks a year too.

What is your favorite item of clothing?
At the moment, it’s a suit by Christopher Nemeth. It’s really beautiful, almost Victorian but modern too.

What are your thoughts on the fashion world right now?
Well, I’m not sure. People seem so happy with things that are totally unchallenging, that I find a little boring. It is the 21st century, so let’s have a little fun. It does seem that people in the ’20s, ’30s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s were having more fun and pushing the limit a little bit more!

What accessory sets you apart?
My Kim Jones hotdog necklace, which no one has yet.

What about you scares others?
Not much. I think I’m fairly normal looking, polite and easy to talk to! I think people have a bit of a different impression of me to the real me, and I’m a bit boring when you meet me.

If you had to play a character in a movie, which movie and which character?
Oh, that’s a hard one! Probably one of the extras in Star Wars so no one could see me.

What personal trait do you appreciate the most in others?
Honesty and loyalty. Don’t we all?

Do you have a cause or do you support one?
Conservation. I am a nature freak, and we do have to take care of the planet. I do try my hardest even though what I do doesn’t help it.

Which living person do you admire most and would like to invite for dinner?
Paris Catherine Dupree, and I’m trying to arrange it!

How do you spend your Sunday mornings?
Sleeping or reading papers.

What is your idea of hell?
The dentist. I hate them.

What did you believe at 18 that you wish you still believed now?
Nothing at all, except my friends and music.

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