
Matthew Williamson is an
English fashion designer. 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
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.
CareerWilliamson 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
Gucci.
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 23rd will include Williamson's first venture into the menwear market.