Interview: Jane Lewis, Goat Designer
Founder of Goat and British fashion designer talks to Culture Whisper about her stylish life
Interview: Jane Lewis, Goat Designer
What is your design inspiration for Goat this season?
I'm taking a strong influence from the late Sixties, with sharp clean shapes and shifts. Also the early Seventies, focusing on high-waisted flared trousers, worn with silk blouses.
What is your signature style?
My style is paired down and simple. I don’t like fussy clothes.
I don’t slavishly follow trends – rather, I stick to what suits me and play to my strengths.
What three pieces are on your autumn/winter wishlist?
The Goat Redgrave coat in half and half – a navy and black combination in contrasting wool on the top half and textured alpaca on the lower. Also the Goat Duchess super flare trouser – I have literally had them made in five different shades. I love them. Finally, the Goat Venn wool crepe cocoon top – with a raised neck line and hidden side pockets, which is my go-to piece with jeans and flares alike.
Top three fashion dos and don’ts?
Do make sure long trousers cover the whole of your shoe.
Do invest in a great winter coat. It really completes a look.
Do keep detailing to a minimum.
Don’t follow a trend if it does not suit you.
Don’t wear ill-fitting underwear. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect the way your clothes fit and drape. It can ruin your outfit.
Don’t wear shoes that you are not confident to walk in. It will make you self-conscious and let you and your outfit down.
Which cultural events have you booked over the next few months?
I’m going to see the Hilary Mantel plays Wolf Hall and Bringing up the Bodies and I’ll be taking my children to The Nutcracker in keeping with family tradition.
Which gallery or museum do you find yourself drawn to time and again?
Tate Modern. It’s a remarkable space and a fantastic museum for the children too.
Do you consider fashion an art form?
Fashion is a creative pursuit and can in many ways be viewed as art. It’s a wonderful vehicle to express our individuality, and for me it’s a way to express my personality and way of life.
What was the last book you read?
I’ve just finished The Secret History by Donna Tart, Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey and am in the middle of Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty.
What’s your favourite street in London and why?
Ely Place, London EC1 is the last privately-owned road in London. It’s the site of the Bishops of Ely’s house from 1290 to 1772 and is steeped in history. It’s mostly all offices now, but they were built as private homes and it’s a beautiful terrace – a throw back to what London was like in the old days. The police can only enter if invited! That’s a fact.
Best weekend brunch in London?
Princi in Soho. There’s a buzzing atmosphere, the most delicious food ever and lots of fun.
Favourite websites or apps?
Bonton for shopping for my children and Solitaire for me – it’s not cool and it’s not trendy but it’s the truth. I’m properly addicted.
How do you relax?
I’m old fashioned – a really long bath is my favourite way to unwind.
I'm taking a strong influence from the late Sixties, with sharp clean shapes and shifts. Also the early Seventies, focusing on high-waisted flared trousers, worn with silk blouses.
What is your signature style?
My style is paired down and simple. I don’t like fussy clothes.
I don’t slavishly follow trends – rather, I stick to what suits me and play to my strengths.
What three pieces are on your autumn/winter wishlist?
The Goat Redgrave coat in half and half – a navy and black combination in contrasting wool on the top half and textured alpaca on the lower. Also the Goat Duchess super flare trouser – I have literally had them made in five different shades. I love them. Finally, the Goat Venn wool crepe cocoon top – with a raised neck line and hidden side pockets, which is my go-to piece with jeans and flares alike.
Top three fashion dos and don’ts?
Do make sure long trousers cover the whole of your shoe.
Do invest in a great winter coat. It really completes a look.
Do keep detailing to a minimum.
Don’t follow a trend if it does not suit you.
Don’t wear ill-fitting underwear. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t affect the way your clothes fit and drape. It can ruin your outfit.
Don’t wear shoes that you are not confident to walk in. It will make you self-conscious and let you and your outfit down.
Which cultural events have you booked over the next few months?
I’m going to see the Hilary Mantel plays Wolf Hall and Bringing up the Bodies and I’ll be taking my children to The Nutcracker in keeping with family tradition.
Which gallery or museum do you find yourself drawn to time and again?
Tate Modern. It’s a remarkable space and a fantastic museum for the children too.
Do you consider fashion an art form?
Fashion is a creative pursuit and can in many ways be viewed as art. It’s a wonderful vehicle to express our individuality, and for me it’s a way to express my personality and way of life.
What was the last book you read?
I’ve just finished The Secret History by Donna Tart, Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey and am in the middle of Apple Tree Yard by Louise Doughty.
What’s your favourite street in London and why?
Ely Place, London EC1 is the last privately-owned road in London. It’s the site of the Bishops of Ely’s house from 1290 to 1772 and is steeped in history. It’s mostly all offices now, but they were built as private homes and it’s a beautiful terrace – a throw back to what London was like in the old days. The police can only enter if invited! That’s a fact.
Best weekend brunch in London?
Princi in Soho. There’s a buzzing atmosphere, the most delicious food ever and lots of fun.
Favourite websites or apps?
Bonton for shopping for my children and Solitaire for me – it’s not cool and it’s not trendy but it’s the truth. I’m properly addicted.
How do you relax?
I’m old fashioned – a really long bath is my favourite way to unwind.
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