What’s ‘Common’ in 2024? Nicky Haslam’s Bold List Revealed!

Defining ‘Common’ in 2024

What does it mean to be “common” these days? For Nicky Haslam, the 85-year-old English designer and socialite, it’s a term he embraces. Since 2018, Haslam has created an annual tea towel that lists 40 things, people, and sayings he finds common, showcasing a middlebrow theme meant to resonate with many.

The Annual Tea Towel Tradition

Each Christmas, Haslam unveils his list on Instagram, turning the event into a viral sensation. This year’s highlights include “unpeeled tomatoes,” “barn conversions,” and “Antony Gormley sculptures.” The tea towels are priced at £40 (£50 if signed) and for the first time, they are available at Selfridges. Haslam humorously notes, “Tea towels are the opposite of taste,” emphasizing his playful approach to what he calls his “rude taste.”

A Peek into Haslam’s World

Haslam’s home reflects his Eurocentric grandeur style, filled with porcelain sculptures, linen curtains, and eclectic art. He believes that furniture should create intimacy, allowing for conversations to flow naturally. The idea for the tea towel emerged spontaneously, evolving from his Evening Standard column.

The Subject of Taste

Taste is a complex issue intertwined with success and class. Haslam argues that good taste is not dependent on wealth but rather on individuality and creativity. He has designed for numerous celebrities, including Mick Jagger and Bryan Ferry, stating that their tastes are commendable.

Haslam’s list occasionally sparks controversy; for instance, the inclusion of “loving your parents” ruffled some feathers. Yet, he insists his lists are meant for fun and levity, providing a light-hearted reflection of societal norms.