Designers Inspired by Agyness Deyn

Agyness Deyn is a British supermodel who became one of the most recognizable figures in 2000s fashion. Her real name is Laura Hollins, and she was born on February 16, 1983, in Littleborough, Greater Manchester, England. During her teenage years, she worked as a waitress before being discovered by a modeling agent, marking the beginning of her remarkable career.

Her first breakthrough came in the mid-2000s when she began working with brands like Burberry and Mulberry. Her striking look — a short platinum haircut and an androgynous aesthetic — instantly set her apart from other models. She quickly became a muse for designers such as Henry Holland, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Vivienne Westwood, with her photos gracing the covers of Vogue, i-D, and other leading fashion magazines.

Jean-Paul Gaultier

Jean-Paul Gaultier, a master of fashion experimentation, always sought models who could challenge stereotypes and emphasize his vision of inclusivity and gender freedom. Agyness Deyn, as the designer himself noted, perfectly embodied this philosophy with her unique appearance and ability to seamlessly portray both feminine and masculine qualities.

Her appearance in Gaultier’s Spring-Summer 2008 collection was a highlight of their collaboration. On the runway, Agyness wore a tailored men’s suit, enhanced with elegant feminine details like a silk bow tie, refined makeup, and high heels. This look became a bold statement by Gaultier, asserting that fashion should transcend gender norms. The audience received it with enthusiasm, and photos of Deyn from the show quickly spread across the pages of leading fashion magazines.

Vivienne Westwood

Agyness Deyn’s collaboration with Vivienne Westwood was one of the most memorable chapters of her career. Known as the founder of punk fashion, Vivienne Westwood sought unconventional models who could embody her rebellious spirit. Agyness, with her bold style and short platinum hair, fit seamlessly into the brand’s aesthetic.

At the 2007 show, although Agyness did not open the runway, she left a strong impression on the audience. Her looks reflected the blending of historical fashion with modern protest. She walked the runway in outfits inspired by Victorian corsets and Scottish tartan fabrics, paired with heavy boots and messy hairstyles. One standout look featured a tartan-printed skirt and a cropped deconstructed jacket, perfectly illustrating Westwood’s philosophy of reinterpreting classic elements through a contemporary lens.

Another unforgettable moment was Agyness’s participation in Vivienne Westwood’s advertising campaign, where she modeled a tartan skirt symbolizing Scottish culture, a frequent motif in Westwood’s work. In one shoot, Deyn portrayed a strong and independent heroine, posing with armor-like elements, underscoring the rebellious nature of the collection.

Henry Holland

Henry Holland, the founder of House of Holland, became a cult figure in British fashion during the 2000s. Agyness Deyn was not only a model for him but also his close friend and primary muse, which greatly influenced the brand's early style.

Holland’s debut collection, presented in 2006, featured slogan T-shirts with provocative and ironic phrases referencing famous fashion designers. One of the most popular pieces was the T-shirt with the slogan “Get Your Freak On, Giles Deacon,” modeled by Agyness Deyn. This bold print quickly became a hit and catapulted House of Holland to international prominence.

Agyness didn’t just showcase these T-shirts on the runway; she helped popularize them off the catwalk as well, wearing them at social events and in street-style photoshoots. Her effortless and laid-back style made these T-shirts an essential item for youth culture.