I HEART MCR- Matthew Williamson

I Heart MCR.

Paul Cunningham.

I Heart MCR because it is a creative capital and it gave birth to Matthew Williamson. The Chorlton born designer has had a huge impact on the British fashion industry, and in my opinion more of an impact than other designers have made in their entire careers. In reflection to this he is having a home coming retrospective at the Urbis museum.

The exhibition Matthew Williamson – 10 Years in Fashion at Urbis
2007 marks 10 years of Manchester born designer Matthew Williamson’s career in fashion. The exhibition, which opens Spring 2008 will focus on the process and use of pattern, print and color which have defined Williamson’s work. Centralized around 4 main themes which will at this point remain nameless so you can find out for yourselves, the exhibition will feature iconic pieces worn by many a famous Celebrity. Other highlights include Williamson’s sketchbooks and a specially commissioned film with behind-the-scenes looks of the launch of a new collection. Lets have a bit of background on the famous manc’ for those of you who don’t know. Matthew Williamson was born in Chorlton, Manchester. He grew up and studied there until the age of 17, when he was offered a place on the degree course at Central St Martins. Matthew graduated in 1994 with a BA 2:1 in Fashion Design and Printed Textiles. His first job after graduating was a freelance design project with Marni. The British fashion company Monsoon & Accessorize then employed him. While at Monsoon, Matthew also worked on developing fabric swatches of his own designs containing detailed beading and embroidery. 

 Matthew Williamson Company was founded in February 1997 by designer, Matthew Williamson and CEO, Joseph Velosa. 

In the summer of 1997, a cold call to British Vogue led to a meeting Plum Sykes, the then fashion assistant at the magazine. Encouraged by her reaction to his ideas, Matthew created a small women’s wear collection, which resulted in a September fashion show comprising a mere 11 outfits. His achievements in the fashion industry have been recognized consistently: Matthew Williamson won Elle designer of the year 2004 was awarded the 2005 Moet & Chanson fashion tribute and has received numerous nominations. He has also been nominated three times as designer of the year at the British fashion awards. Whilst continuing at the design helm of his namesake company, in 2005 Matthew took over as the Creative Director at Emilio Pucci, the luxury Italian fashion house owned by LVMH. Having always loved Emilio Pucci’s work from the 60s and 70s, this step was a dream come true for Williamson.