To give you an insight into the Martine Rose design process, I thought I'd take you through my inspiration wall, which details all of the things that have contributed towards my signature piece for Timberland. My references points are eclectic - a mixture of street culture and music, military, sportswear and fashion imagery, and also novels and diaries.
Right now I'm reading The Soft Machine by William S. Burroughs II. Burroughs is an American beatnik writer who popularized the 'cut up' and 'fold in' literary techniques. This consists of collating random bits of text to create a jarring, random collection of ideas, and I find this really inspiring.
I'm also really into Peter Beard at the moment. A photographer by trade, Beard also channeled a lot of creative energy into his collage work and diaries, which are just fantastic. His photographs of African animals encouraged me to look carefully at the natural world around me and take notice - I even use insects as colour references sometimes.
Despite my workload, I have managed to venture out of the studio. Recently I visited the Photographer's Gallery to see the Self Publish, Be Happy exhibition. An amazingly talented art director and one of my best friends, Patrick Waugh creates the BOYO fanzine and he was there signing copies. His work is beautiful and I find his collages really inspirational - I'm so proud of him.
Martine Rose A/W 09 collection
Martine Rose A/W 09 collection
I love this fabulous neon 'Exclusive' sign, taken from a black hair salon in Paris. I particularly enjoy the play on words with the ‘So white’ sign next door.
Images that reveal my interest in different textures and materials used I menswear: leather, rubber, flannel and nylon.
Martine Rose and the Timberland design team discuss ideas
Timberland fabric examples
Selection of zipper colours
Martine Rose and the Timberland design team discuss ideas
Selection of zippers
Martine Rose and the Timberland design team working on CAD drawings
Timberland mock up of Martine Rose signature design
Martine Rose shirt from AW 09 collection - inspiration for the Timberland garment
Martine Rose interview for Wallpaper.com
Timberland menswear pieces
My inspiration wall
This etching hangs above my computer desk. It’s called Clothing as Houses by Eric Gill
The notebooks of William Burroughs are wonderful sources of inspiration…
…as are the collages by Peter Beard
One of my best friends, Patrick Waugh, signing copies of BOYO at the Self Publish, Be Happy exhibition at the Photographer’s Gallery
Insects are inspiring colour references
Insects are inspiring colour references
This hat by Stephen Jones is very 1990s but I really like the shape and the mixed media concept
Timberland colour swatches
The signature Martine Rose detail
Dean and I working on the jacket
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Zaha Hadid Architects’ new project will be Miami’s priciest condoConstruction has commenced at The Delmore, an oceanfront condominium from the design firm founded by the late Zaha Hadid, ZHA
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This Beirut design collective threads untold stories into upholstered antique furnitureBeirut-based Bokja opens a Notting Hill pop-up that's a temple to textiles, from upholstered furniture to embroidered cushions crafted by artisans (until 25 March 2025)
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The Peninsula Hotels broadens its artistic horizons with Victoria and Albert Museum partnershipThe Peninsula Hotels and Victoria and Albert Museum announce a multi-year collaboration set to produce world-class art experiences around the world
