career in
the indrawing
w feels
ollabo-
tars
d dance
instrucould
style
ld be
ime next
orking
d since
ed to
aga for a
ns.
you that
your own
a lot of the time. You are in Central London
and there is so much incredible fashion history
coming from the college. It’s hard, and
the tutors are tough, but it helps you build a
thick skin that’s probably necessary in the
fashion industry.
Who in the fashion world do you aspire to
be like?
I really respect the work of panos Yiapanis
and edward enninful.
Do you think you always knew you would
end up styling rather than focusing on
designing?
I interned at i-D and quickly realised that it
was the best way for me for me to work.
You started working as a stylist way before
you actually graduated, do you think
your course helped you at all?
totally. I think it’s important to understand
how a garment is constructed. people seem to
think that styling is just making a “hot” shoot,
but actually there is room to be much more
involved in the creation of fashion at large. It’s
all design really. the only difference is that
when you design a shoot, your materials are
ready-made clothes.
You seem to have a penchant for dressing
yourself and other guys in women’s clothes.
How does this affect you when designing
for women?
I wear womenswear because it’s more interesting
and it fits me better. I don’t think about
it much really. I think Raf simons and hedi
slimane had a huge influence on menswear
and the notion of masculinity opened up. I
didn’t design for men or women- I designed
for myself.
You’ve already integrated yourself into the
London fashion world, working with Gareth
Pugh and all. Have the people around
you had any influence on the collection’s
outcome?
of course. I hate it when people claim that
they are free from influence and that they
don’t look at fashion. there is a lot of rubbish
out there, but there are also great designers.
I guess that’s why I am so excited about
continuing to work as a stylist and also being
able to produce my own designs for my
shoots.
[Turn the page to see Matthew’s work]
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