Matthew Williamson
Matthew Williamson | |
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![]() Williamson at the Factory Girl London premiere | |
Born | |
Nationality | English |
Education | Central Saint Martins |
Label | Matthew Williamson Pucci |
Matthew Williamson is an English fashion designer.[1] His collections are shown twice a year during New York Fashion Week, and they often have an Indian influence, perhaps related to the time Williamson spent working in India for the clothing store Monsoon.
He counts celebrities such as Cat Deeley, Sienna Miller, Kelis, Jade Jagger and Plum Sykes amongst his friends, but has often been criticised by others in the fashion industry for using them to promote his designs.
Biography
He was born in Chorlton, Williamson studied in Manchester until he was 18, when he moved to London to attend school at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. He graduated in 1994. Williamson is openly gay.[1]
Career
Williamson started his career with two years of work experience with the Georgina Von Etzdorf, Marni and Monsoon. In 1996, after his beaded bags and scarves had caught the attention of Kate, Helena and Amber, Williamson launched his own clothes label with business partner Joseph Velosa. Kate, Helena and Jade Jagger later agreed to model in his London Fashion Week debut show, called Electric Angels.
Williamson was one of the original designers for Marks and Spencers 'Autograph' range. However the Autograph relationship ended after M&S refused to put the names of the designers on the clothing.
In 2002 the high street store Debenhams signed Williamson as part of their 'Designers at Debenhams' range. This diffusion range is called 'Butterfly' and provides designs for women and young girls.
In 2005, he launched his own perfume range.
In 2006, Williamson took over as creative director at Pucci.
In 2007, a runway show of his designs was incorporated into the video for Prince's song "Chelsea Rodgers" from his Planet Earth album.
In 2009, Williamson is cooperating with Swedish clothing company H&M. His collection for men and women, which launches on April 23 will include Williamson's first venture into the menwear market. An interview with Matthew Williamson and his celebrity pals for Vogue TV at the H&M launch can be watched here
In May 2009, Williamson launches his own online shop[2]
References
- ^ a b Freeman, Hadley (2003-02-17). "Double vision". The Guardian.
- ^ "Fashion designer Matthew Williamson launches e-commerce site". UTalkMarketing. 2009-05-18.