House of fashion: British designer Matthew Williamson knows a thing or too about colour and pattern

BRITISH fashion designer Matthew Williamson takes flight with a sumptuous new range of textiles, writes Robyn Willis.

Matthew Williamson’s house of fashion

BRITISH fashion designer Matthew Williamson knows a thing or two about colour and pattern. Born in Manchester in the 1970s, Matthew burst on to the fashion scene in 1997 with a colourful collection of ready-to-wear garments in vivid colours.

His work is synonymous with a sense of playful glamour and a skilful use of bold colour, texture and pattern.

Last year, iconic textile company Osborne & Little invited him to collaborate on a new range of wallpapers and fabrics for interiors and he has just released his latest collection, Samana showcasing his expertise in balancing complex designs while creating thoroughly livable interiors.

You’re a big name in fashion. Why did you decide to venture into fabrics and wallpapers?

I have always been interested in interiors and have sometimes thought that had I not pursued fashion design, interior design may have been a potential career option.

I was honoured when Osborne & Little approached me to collaborate with them. The collection developed in a very organic way because there was synergy in what we wanted to achieve.

Floral patterns in vibrant colours.

Textured patterns feature in Williamson’s fashion designs.

I wanted the range to reflect my design signature and Osborne & Little have incredible knowledge which helped us realise the designs.

How would you describe your own home?

I live in Belsize Park in (northwest) London within a Georgian building. The building has wonderful ceiling heights and has retained its period features which helps give it character.

I try to strike a balance in my home so I’ve used mostly soft and muted shades like stone, grey or sand on the walls and then paired them with more intense colours in my furnishings and accessories.

Vibrant colours make a statement.

I like to use a range of textures within a space because I’ve amassed a lot of treasures and trinkets through research trips abroad which I use around my home so that it truly reflects my personality.

How does designing for the home differ from designing for fashion?

Fashion design centres on the form, movement and fit of fabrics on the body. Interiors are static so I need to think about the repeat of patterns and scale and really mapping it out spatially.

Placing nature inspired patterns next to the real thing.

The creative process starts in the same way with a moodboard and what I want the collection to reflect.

From there, I worked with Osborne & Little to develop the prints, patterns and fabrications.

What was your inspiration for the Samana collection?

Samana is an island in the Carribean and for me it evokes a sense of exoticism and freedom.

I wanted it to reflect the lush foliage, flora and fauna of a tropical island while incorporating some of the motifs which have become synonymous with my collections, such as hummingbirds and dragonflies.

Opulent colours and exotic patterns.

What impact do you think a bold pattern or a deep colour can have on your mood?

Growing up in Manchester in the 70s, I recall it being a very grey city and it gave me a real love and appreciation of colour from an early age.

Colour and prints have always been integral to my collections. When I debuted my first range Electric Angels in 1997, at the time there was a lot of black in the runway collections.

My small collection created such an unexpected stir, partly due to the brightness of the colour palette.

Colour themed.

Colours are incredibly evocative and season after season I like pairing colours you would not think go together but somehow work.

When you’re working with such vivid colours and bold patterns, how do you begin to build a room?

It’s a process of layers. I usually have an idea of the colour palettes and then I start to think about the complementing shades, prints and textures.

A lot of people are intimidated by colour and I was mindful when designing to incorporate some neutral and knocked back designs which could easily sit alongside the more daring designs so that you could layer it to your desire.

Colour and pattern.

Should our homes change with the fashions or do you advocate a more classic approach?

Homes are ultimately a reflection of your personality which changes and develops. I’ve always retained a very consistent point of view which has formed the foundation for my aesthetic.

Over time, and with the influence of trends I’ve slightly changed and added layers to my home.

What colours do you just love?

It changes all the time. I loved the colours I used in my spring/summer 15 collection at London Fashion Week.

The collection was inspired by David Bailey’s photographs from the 70s. His work inspired me to use shades of rich damson and peacock contrasted with fresh shades of sand, rose and baby blue.

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Textured wallpaper.

Originally published as House of fashion: British designer Matthew Williamson knows a thing or too about colour and pattern