Top designer shares his secrets

FASHION designer Matthew Williamson told fashion students that ‘with hard work and self belief anything is possible’ when he spoke at the university this week.

250 students and staff went to hear the Manchester born designer who counts Jade Jagger, Kate Moss and Sienna Miller as fans, talk about his career with Sunday Times fashion writer Colin McDowell MBE.

He said that he was ‘both excited and nervous’ to be invited to the event which was organised by Fashion Fringe as part of a nationwide tour to scout for new fashion talent at key universities.

Williamson, who was born in Chorlton, said he had always had a ‘dogged ambition ’ to run his own label, something he thinks is necessary for any fashion designer: “You can’t be tepid about it, it’s very important to believe that you can fulfil your ambition.

Belief

“Top designers have a fantastic belief in what they do, but if you don’t believe in yourself, it’s very doubtful that anyone else will.”

Williamson studied fashion at St Martins’ College before graduating in 1994. He did work experience with Zandra Rhodes before working his way up to a senior design position at Monsoon, where he worked for three years.

He emphasised the importance of gaining professional experience: “Everyone who wants to do what I do should do work experience for at least six months with someone they admire and use the time to learn as much as they can.

“Despite the glamour it’s a business and it’s important to learn business skills to go along with your creative talent.

Super models

“Knowing how to buy fabrics and make sure it’s possible to make a mark up and make a profit on a garment, these elements are very important, and can’t be underestimated.”

Williamson left Monsoon in 1997 to set up his own label with business partner Joseph Velosa. Once he had his first collection Matthew called the British Fashion Council and asked if he could show at London Fashion Week then sent his collections to fashion magazines including Vogue and Tatler.

Jade Jagger saw one of Williamson’s dresses in the Tatler office, loved it and contacted Matthew to ask if she could model in the show.

She then asked Williamson if he wanted ‘Kate’ to join her. “I said ‘Kate’ who? She said ‘Kate Moss’. I said ‘Are you kidding?’ I guess once you’ve got Kate, it’s easy to call up and say you want Helena Christensen too.”

Great example

The show was a huge success and Matthew now has a flagship store next to Stella McCartney in Mayfair several others worldwide, was one of the first designers to launch a range in H&M and his ‘Butterfly’ range has been in Debenhams for ten years.

Head of Design Joe McCullagh was delighted to welcome Williamson to the University: “Matthew is a great example to our students and graduates and has shown that going freelance after graduation is totally possible and can often be the best route to success.

“It was great to see so many people there, the event was a great success.”

When asked if he thought it was a good time or a bad time to start a career as a fashion designer Williamson said: “The landscape of fashion has changed, there are more opportunities but there is also more competition.

Determination

“However, there is more support for young designers now , from people like the British Fashion Council and Fashion Fringe - so I don’t think it’s more difficult, just different. “

“I would advise designers who are starting out to get a good body of work, get to the point where you are clear of your identity.

“Then go out there, be strong, get experience, find someone to hire you and try to learn as much as you can.

“With that kind of basis and plenty of determination you won’t go far wrong.”