“I think, quite often, what happens in people’s minds is that ambition creates an unobtainable goal so there’s never a feeling of fulfillment,” says British fashion designer Charlie Casely-Hayford. “A lot of people go through life chasing whatever it is that keeps them motivated. If you don’t reflect on your achievements, it’s very hard to move forward in a positive way.” Perhaps this meditative tendency comes naturally to a man who seems predisposed toward equanimity; or, it could be that his long-term relationship with interior designer Sophie Ashby has introduced in him a more well-rounded attitude. Either way, the 30-year-old, whose eponymous label is designed in partnership with his father, Joe, is careful to temper his personal aspirations with self-examination. In the often brutal world of fashion, it’s proved a savvy way to avoid conflict. “You know, the expression ‘people putting This story is from Kinfolk Issue Twenty-Two Buy Now Related Stories Fashion Issue 44 Under the Sun Far niente, on the faraway island of Alicudi. Design Fashion Issue 44 Michelle Elie An audience with an audacious dresser. Fashion Films Issue 44 Wardrobe Malfunction Why does the fashion in films so often disappoint? Fashion Issue 43 Mind Games Cerebral fashion, from the deepest folds of the cortex. Fashion Issue 43 Rejina Pyo On making clothes for a street side catwalk. Fashion Issue 42 Off Grid Pack a bag. Pitch a tent. Find a slice of nature to call your own.
