nunu meets: Lucy Jones
OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, WE’LL BE INTERVIEWING A HANDFUL OF INSPIRING INDIVIDUALS, STARTING IN LONDON. THESE INTERVIEWS WON’T BE LONG READS, JUST A LITTLE 5-10 MINUTE DOSE OF DAILY STORYTELLING THAT PERHAPS, MIGHT SPARK SOME CREATIVITY, THOUGHT OR SELF-REFLECTION. WE HAVE LEARNED SOMETHING FROM EACH INDIVIDUAL AND CAN NOT WAIT TO SHARE THEIR STORIES WITH YOU.
Hi, I am Lucy Jones - designer and maker of the most exquisite lingerie and loungewear, something I have returned to after a long career in fashion education.
nunu: How have you been staying grounded and inspired during these strange times?
Lucy: Actually, the measures we are currently living by have not changed my daily life much, as I have worked from home since 2016. I design and make lingerie in my studio where I develop new samples, and rethink and remake my timeless designs from the 1980’s whilst trying out new processes and production techniques, constantly drawing designs, all the while planning scenarios which build the brand, and keep me motivated.
I keep two diaries – one for the future, mainly for Lucy Jones Lingerie, and one for the past - a personal reflection on daily life, both include drawings and visual thinking. I talk to friends, look at all the lovely books that have been collected over the years – mostly books on art, fashion and textiles. I am an NHS volunteer – and I did my first call yesterday so that made me feel very grounded and very humble too - being able to help the massive effort in a small way.
nunu: What is the first thing you are going to do once we can live our normal lives again?
The first thing I am going to do is meet up with my beautiful and inspiring daughter and give her a very long and tight physical loving hug and tell her that she means the absolute world to me. We will make plans and talk about her projects and life, and we will sit closely together.
Second - I am going to visit my 92yo Mum in Somerset to give her a big loving and overdue physical and loving hug! We will take a drive to Hauser and Wirth in Bruton, see whatever exhibition they have on, and have lunch in the lovely restaurant and have lots of chats about many things.
nunu: Who or what inspired you?
Lucy: I find inspiration in so many things – I am always thinking about change and new ways of doing things – looking towards the future and acknowledging the future in the present – I am inspired by people who think creatively, and who can see opportunities for newness in challenging situations. At the moment I am being inspired (again) by William Gibson, reading his collection of writings, Distrust That Particular Flavor (2012) I bought a used copy on eBay in 2014 and didn’t even open till now! It came to me from a small book shop in St Joseph, Missouri USA, I love this, a travelling book, and wonder about its silent history of previous readers.
nunu: Can you give some advice to someone who might be feeling a little low?
My advice to someone who is a little low from our ongoing enforced circumstances would be to try not to succumb to the pressure to do something different! It might just be the usual and familiar routines that one is missing. Find new ways of using or portraying that particular familiar action, talent or expertise – it may be temporary, but it’s worth trying. Volunteering is a great motivator – however, small your contribution. You instantly feel needed and useful. It also makes you feel good – and part of a larger endeavor. I can really recommend it.
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