01.11.10

The 5 Question Interview-Matthew Miller

MADE

IN

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Matthew Miller

Matthew Miller is an emerging menswear who we here at Fashion156 have been following since we reported on his MA 2009 collection from the RCA. Most recently we have featured his clothing in our LFW PREVIEW ISSUE and reviewed his SS11 installation at Fashion East. We love how Matthew adds agility to classic moulds as he melds the aethetics of tailoring and sportswear. As such we decided to speak to Matthew to learn more.

Explain your SS11 title, Form=Function.

The title comes from a contemporary exploration of Dieter Rams' design philosophy, Form follows Function. Recently I have been questioning what makes good design. Having discovered Dieter Rams, I began to reconsider my design philosophy. In today's world form is just as important as function, one such example being the company Apple, who in my view have embraced the Form=Functions foundations and built an incredibly strong brand. After defining this as the collections design philosophy, I created a collection of performance tailored pieces.

The shirt you sent over for our SS11 PREVIEW ISSUE had a letter on it as did many others at your LFW installation, what is the concept behind Matthew Miller's alphabet?

The shirt is not part of an alphabet, but a statement. If you were to ask anyone who knows both my work and me also on a personal level, will tell you there's always an ironic twist or message hidden within the collections. Sometimes they are obvious, other times they are more subtle; something to be discovered.

The message within this collection is a sarcastic response to David Cameron's statement of 'lets make it here'! Making products in England is something I have a real passion for and especially over the last twelve months is something I have struggled to do. I grew up during the implementation of Thatcher's legacy of abandoning British industry during the later 1980's and the early 90's. The repercussions of which are still true today and something I feel strongly about. The statement reads "MADE IN ENGLAND".

What have you been up to post LFW?

I have been insanely busy talking to press and meeting buyers. Also I have been working on side projects, one of which is a competition I recently won, the result of which means that early next year some garments of mine will be sold in a pop-up shop in London with an exhibition touring Europe. I am also working on a collaboration, set up by my friend Alexandru Adam, who I studied with at the RCA. Also I am starting to work on next season and really enjoying this busy period I find myself in.

Matthew Miller's world is.........

One where I try and remain open to the new and what could be. To be inquisitive and questioning, always moving forward and constantly adapting to whatever life throws my way.

Who do you turn to for inspiration?

Most of my inspiration comes from words, conversations, articles and books I read. These turn into concepts and through the design process become garments. Also, observing people and how their clothes work for them. For example last season I looked at the modern city gentleman and provided him with a wardrobe that would work with his movements as well as in the boardroom.

Images courtesy of Matthew Miller

Posted by Susan Walsh

Tags: Interview Matthew Miller SS11