Matthew Williamson

Matthew Williamson recently put time aside to chat with Style House Files about showing his latest collection during Lagos Fashion and Design Week, the future of the MW brand and, Twitter. Here’s what he said:

Style House Files: When we announced you would be the international guest designer for this year’s Lagos Fashion and Design Week, people were ridiculously excited! Why was Lagos one of the cities you chose to show your collection in?

Matthew Williamson: We have a very strong fan base in Nigeria in addition to having a presence with Temple Muse in Lagos. It was such a privilege to be able to support LFDW and to show the collection to our fans.

SHF: How have your travels influence your work?

MW: Travel and exoticism has always been such an important inspiration for my collections. New places and experience always leave such an impression on me and I like to explore them in my collections.

SHF: You are beloved by many famous fashionistas; do you ever design collections with a certain starlet in mind?

MW: The Matthew Williamson woman has a very distinct personality- she is feminine, free spirited and glamorous. I don’t design my collections with any one person in mind but my close friends often come to mind because they really reflect the spirit of the brand.

SHF: Your new shoe collection was the talk of London Fashion Week! What was the inspiration behind it?

MW: I wanted my first shoe collection to have a real point of difference and truly reflect the DNA of our brand. We have previously collaborated with some of the best and most celebrated shoe designers in the world, it seemed like such a natural and organic step to start the next chapter working with such a talented emerging talent. Joanne Stoker worked with us to translate the signature elements of the brand into this 12-piece collection.

SHF: Your debut collection, Electric Angels, really started what people consider the “Matthew Williamson aesthetic”; bold, vibrant colours and patterns. 15 years later, how do you keep your collections fresh while still honouring what your fans love about the brand?

MW: I have always loved women and designing pieces which celebrate them has remained integral to my designs. I am constantly inspired by new places and experience- I try to incorporate these in my designs each season which I hope lends a new perspective to my collections.

SHF: What has been the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received in your career?

MW: I have been very lucky to have such strong support from those around me all of whom have given useful advice over the years. I don’t remember what she said exactly, but I have always been drawn to colour and will always remember a teacher I had who really inspired me to develop my use of it further.

SHF: What do you think every aspiring designer needs to do or know if they want to make it in the fashion industry?

MW: The fashion industry is tough-you do have to be prepared to take advice and criticism along the way, but having unwavering belief in your vision is essential.

SHF: You recently joined Twitter (welcome by the way). In your opinion, what kind of impact has social media had on fashion and your brand in particular?

MW: Digital media is revolutionising fashion and you can’t help but recognise its power. Our new Twitter account @MWWorld captures behind-the-scenes of the collections and studio, giving followers an insider view of my brand. I also Tweet from the same account, so that I can share my personal perspective.

SHF: What’s next for the Matthew Williamson brand?

MW: We are stepping into the next chapter of the brand and we hope to add new layers to the DNA.