Mary Katrantzou, chosen by Frida Giannini at Gucci
You've been very busy recently, how are you coping with the increasing industry attention?
It’s only been 1.5 years since I started, so much has changed -it has been a very exciting time. It’s great to be able to say that we have a small team now with a common goal. I constantly learn more about what the brand represents and what we are about.
What was it that first inspired you to move into the digital prints for which you’re famed?
I studied textile design before doing my MA in Fashion, so prints were my strength. I wanted to create prints derived from Art and Design- that’s how I started on the photorealistic side of things. I take Inspiration from objects that would not be able to be worn if it were real. However, it’s more than a trompe l’oeil string of pearls or a trompe l’oeil button - It’s utilizing appropriation as a medium to create a print of an icon of luxury that you can now wear.
Who are your key fashion world influences?
My collections are very thematic and that gives me the opportunity to change my influences depending on the collection. I have always admired Chanel, Prada, Geoffrey Beene, Balenciaga, Sciaparrel and Cardin because they have changed the shape of fashion.
Your work has been described as a product of the digital generation – how has the digital revolution influenced your work?
It has created an array of opportunities that have informed my work. I constantly try to better my skills in creating digital imagery. In a way, I have achieved a modern day version of photorealism- only applied through fashion.
How would you best describe the British fashion industry?
It’s a great platform for young designers with a strong vision and there are some great mentors to help you along the way. Schemes such as New Gen, Fashion East and Fashion Forward allow a very creative assemblage of designers to make their mark on an international level. Now is a great time for London Designers - and international press and buyers are taking note.
Who would you cite as your biggest inter-industry advocates?
Two women who believed in me from the start: Professor Louise Wilson OBE and journalist and ambassador of emerging talent, Sarah Mower. They have both nurtured young talent in many ways and I have been lucky enough to benefit from their knowledge.
Do you intend to continue showing in London?
I think London has a great fashion week and it is always directional. It’s so great to be part of it and I’m really looking forward to showing my AW10 collection in February.
Pieces by Harris Elliott and his high fashion advocate, Paul Smith, for the Wallpaper* Show Time shoot
H Jacket from H by Harris
Q1 Skin from H by Harris
Q4 Tote from H by Harris
Q3 Rucksack from H by Harris
Mark Fast coupes up with Angela Missoni for the Wallpaper* shoot
Mark Fast, Spring Summer 2010
Mark Fast, Spring Summer 2010
Mark Fast, Spring Summer 2010
Mark Fast, Spring Summer 2010
James Long combined with pieces from Lucas Ossendrijver of Lanvin, for the W*130 shoot
James Long, Spring Summer 2010
James Long, Spring Summer 2010
James Long, Spring Summer 2010
James Long, Spring Summer 2010
James Long, Spring Summer 2010
A blouse by Veryta comes combined with pieces from Stefano Pilati at Yves Saint Laurent
Veryta, Spring Summer 2010
Veryta, Spring Summer 2010
Veryta, Spring Summer 2010
Veryta, Spring Summer 2010
Veryta, Spring Summer 2010
A distinctive, cherry-inspired headpiece from milliner Piers Atkinson coupled with a Pringle of Scotland dress for the Wallpaper* shoot
Piers Atkinson, 'Sex on the Brain' Spring Summer 2010
Piers Atkinson, 'Sex on the Brain' Spring Summer 2010
Piers Atkinson, 'Sex on the Brain' Spring Summer 2010
Piers Atkinson, 'Sex on the Brain' Spring Summer 2010
Mary Katrantzou, as chosen by Frida Giannini of Gucci for Wallpaper*
Mary Katrantzou, Spring Summer 2010
Mary Katrantzou, Spring Summer 2010
Mary Katrantzou, Spring Summer 2010
Mary Katrantzou, Spring Summer 2010
Mary Katrantzou, Spring Summer 2010
A Christopher Shannon t-shirt and trousers-combo with pieces by Italo Zuchelli at Calvin Klein
Christopher Shannon, Spring Summer 2010
Christopher Shannon, Spring Summer 2010
Christopher Shannon, Spring Summer 2010
Christopher Shannon, Spring Summer 2010
Christopher Shannon, Spring Summer 2010
A multi-chromatic shirt and short selection by Jsen Wintle combined with a coat from his advocate, Christopher Bailey of Burberry
Jsen Wintle, Spring Summer 2010
Jsen Wintle, Spring Summer 2010
Jsen Wintle, Spring Summer 2010
Jsen Wintle, Spring Summer 2010
Jsen Wintle, Spring Summer 2010
A bewigged Mare un Rol's model for the Wallpaper* January issue shoot
A look book selection from the latest season at Latvian fashion house, Mare un Rol's
A look book selection from the latest season at Latvian fashion house, Mare un Rol's
A look book selection from the latest season at Latvian fashion house, Mare un Rol's
A look book selection from the latest season at Latvian fashion house, Mare un Rol's
A look book selection from the latest season at Latvian fashion house, Mare un Rol's
A look book selection from the latest season at Latvian fashion house, Mare un Rol's
Catface mask by Maiko Takeda
Rose headpiece by Maiko Takeda
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A new Oxford Street pop-up celebrates IKEA's blue bagsIKEA's iconic blue bag gets its own pop-up concept store, the 'Hus of Frakta'.
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Audemars Piguet and Kaws have created the Royal Oak Concept watch we didn't know we neededThe Audemars Piguet x Kaws Royal Oak Concept Tourbillon 'Companion' is slick wrist-worn art
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A friendly rivalry coloured by kinship: Wendy Maruyama and Tom Loeser on their two-artist show'I wanted to make furniture, just not traditional furniture, but weird furniture,' says Wendy Maruyama on ‘Colorama’, a two-artist show presented at design gallery Superhouse (until 11 January 2025)
