Hussein Chalayan was born in 1970 in Nicosia, Cyprus. He graduated from Central St Martins in 1993, causing a sensation with his decomposed silk dresses. He went on to dress Björk for her 1995 Post album and tour. In 1999 and 2000, he was named British designer of the year, and in 2005 represented Turkey in the Venice Biennale. He was awarded an MBE in 2006. His installation I Am Sad Leyla is at the Lisson Gallery, London, until 2 October.
When were you happiest?
As a child in Cyprus, in my imaginary, hassle-free world: water came from springs, food from gardens and seas.
What is your greatest fear?
Being a lonely, dependent old person.
What is your earliest memory?
Being confused between Turkish and English.
Which living person do you most admire and why?
One died last year, one a year before that – there hasn't been enough time since to proclaim a new hero.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
I am an idealist, which can be tiring.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
People taking themselves too seriously.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
My mum running after me, just after my first few shows, with stuffed vine leaves and new jumpers.
What is your most treasured possession?
Old family photos and films.
Where would you like to live?
An office in London with a door to a living room in Istanbul, a bathroom in Japan and a garden in Cyprus.
What makes you unhappy?
Nepotism and vulgar use of money.
What would your super power be?
Definitely to be able to fly.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
My fluctuating belly.
What is your favourite book?
Baudrillard's America.
What would be your fancy dress costume of choice?
A burka, so I can be a detached observer.
What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Food.
What does love feel like?
Romantic love? Positively bad – then it grows and becomes a way of life.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
"To be honest…"
What is the worst job you've done?
I ran away from home and had to work in a McDonald's for a month.
What has been your biggest disappointment?
London gives birth to amazing talent but is rubbish at helping maintain it.
When did you last cry, and why?
Watching a documentary on Amish kids spending time in south London.
How often do you have sex?
Regularly.
What is the closest you've come to death?
I fell off a bus at 15 and a car hit my head – I must have gone mad then.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Being able to switch off.
What keeps you awake at night?
Deadlines and financial restrictions.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who created bridges between alien worlds.
What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Not to think that everyone thinks about things the way you do.
Where would you most like to be right now?
On a Greek island, in a taverna on top of a rocky hill.
Interview taken from here.
On the coach to London Tattoo Convention
Yay
