MATTHEW WILLIAMSON SS98MATTHEW WILLIAMSON SPRING SUMMER 98 03_Matthew_Williamson_at_the_DM_-_Photographer_Luke_Hayes.jpg07_Matthew_Williamson_at_the_DM_-_Photographer_Luke_Hayes.jpg

10 YEARS OF SPARKLING FASHION

“The” London success story: Matthew Williamson crystallizes celebrities with his amazing designs

Can there be a more glamorous introduction to a fashion show than a performance by Prince? - Matthew Williamson did everything right! Chelsea Rodgers- Prince’s muse, is a big fan of the London designer. With her involvement, (and possibly a little encouragement to the singer) Prince´s appearance at the Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 2008 show was more than a highlight.

This year Matthew Williamson celebrates 10 years in fashion and looks back on a stellar career. His iconic, extravagant dresses show off the perfect use of pattern, print, color and Swarovski crystal embellishments. His amazing designs have been worn down the red carpet by stars like Sienna Miller, Kiera Knightley, Mischa Barton and Kylie Minogue.

1998: Model Helena Christensen in a crystalline spider see-throw dress

The success story of Matthew Williamson is reason to make all fashion design students aspire to follow a similar path. Born in Chorlton, Manchester, Williamson moved to London at the age of 17 to study at Central St Martins. In 1999, encouraged by British Vogue fashion assistant Plum Sykes, he made his first fashion week appearance. “Electric Angels” was the name of Williamson’s debut collection and when you see the model booking you will understand why; Jade Jagger, Helena Christensen and Kate Moss agreed to wear his amazing dresses and made him a rising star from the get go.

In 2005 Williamson became Creative Director at Emilio Pucci, where his love for pattern and color found another outlet. In his recent namesake collections, the designer adds an extra touch with Swarovski crystal embroideries and creations encrusted with sparkling chunks, particularly in his Fall/Winter 2007 collection.

The Design Museum in London is showing “Matthew Williamson – 10 Years in Fashion” until 31st of January, and will tour in spring 2008 to Urbis in Manchester. The perfect occasion to admire those legendary crystallized dresses.

Katharina Kowalewski