Designer within reach

Interview, May, 2009 by Alexandra Mack

MATTHEW WILLIAMSON takes his first crack at menswear with a collection for H&M, joining the long list of venerable designers who have spun cotton into gold for the Swedish retailer. Emerging onto the London fashion scene in 1997 with a womenswear line, Williamson is known for his splashy patterns.

His foray into menswear mixes prints, color, and studs. 'I've always made fantasy clothes for women. This was my first opportunity to think about myself," explains Williamson. "It was a very self-indulgent process." As if to emphasize this point, the British designer even acts as the face of the campaign, alongside supermodel Daria Werbowy. Add a recently opened U.S. flagship in New York and plans for stores in Dubai and Kuwait, and it's evident that Williamson is focused on world domination. More info at hm.com