[You can read an extended multimedia version of this article at 2beMag #8, with runway video and photogallery included!]
His first job following graduation was a freelance design project with Marni. Matthew was then employed by british fashion company, Monsoon and Accessorize.
The luxury fashion house, Matthew Williamson, was founded in February 1997 by designer, Matthew Williamson and CEO, Joseph Velosa. In September 1997 Matthew Williamson showed his infamous debut collection, ‘Electric Angels’, during London Fashion Week. Bias cut dresses and separates in exotic shades of tangerine, fuchsia and magenta were worn by models Kate Moss, Helena Christensen and Jade Jagger. This unique collection of bright, intricately detailed pieces defined and set the pace for the highly recognisable Matthew Williamson aesthetic signature.
Following this initial show, Matthew Williamson’s collections have continued to gather momentum, constructing his reputation as an internationally renowned designer and one of the UK’s leading designer talents. In February 2002, Matthew showed for the first time during New York Fashion Week expanding opportunities within the press and attracting a wider audience commercially.
The award-winning Matthew Williamson flagship store first opened at 28 Bruton Street, Mayfair, London in March 2004. In 2005 Matthew Williamson took over as Creative Director at LVMH owned Italian house, Emilio Pucci, whilst continuing at the design helm of his namesake company. In September 2008 Matthew Williamson returned to London full time in order to focus fully on his own label’s forthcoming ventures and expansion.
In August 2007 TSM Capital acquired an equity stake in Matthew Williamson Holdings Ltd. Baugur Group, which invested in the company in 2006, maintains a significant equity interest in the business. TSM Capital made the investment in collaboration with the Aronsson Group. Combined, Matthew Williamson and Joseph Velosa, the company’s founders, retain the majority stake in the company. In September 2007 Matthew Williamson was invited to celebrate the label’s 10th year anniversary by returning to London fashion week for an anniversary show which included an exclusive performance by legendary artist, Prince. An exhibition dedicated to his retrospective titled, “Matthew Williamson – 10 Years in Fashion” was also held at the Design Museum of London.
In September 2009, Matthew Williamson was invited by the British Fashion Council to return to celebrate London Fashion Week‘s 25th anniversary. The luxury fashion house now produces 4 women’s wear collections annually and currently has a customer portfolio which includes 170 prestigious wholesale accounts around the world and also has an award-winning flagship store on Bruton Street, London.
In 2009, Matthew Williamson opened its first US flagship store in New York, accompanied by a further stand alone retail store in the Dubai Mall, Dubai. This was closely followed by the launch of online stores for the UK, Europe and US.
