Enlightenment

FEEL THE GLOW OF WISDOM AS THE GHD DIRECTIVE SHARE THEIR VAST EXPERIENCE.

The experts of the experts, the Directive is ghd's cherry-picked team of creative professionals who are at the top of their game. Developing the latest looks for international fashion weeks, these ghd high stylers work in collaboration with the top photographers, make-up artists and art directors across the globe and are the authority on the current cut and the coolest curl. Get with the ghd Directive and find out what they are up to and how you should be working your hair.

12 MARCH 2009

An interview with… MATTHEW WILLIAMSON

Fresh from the fizzing energy of NY Fashion Week, we meet the Brit designer who’s been busting the gloom of the recession with his scrumptious colourful prints. Showing off an array of spirograph-inspired patterns and crystal embellishments for his A/W 2009 collection, the hair, courtesy of ghd, was luxurious and super sleek. Here, he talks about the ghd look, the upcoming trends and the inspiration behind his work.

What’s the inspiration behind the show this season?

MW: Its about Tibet, I was inspired by an image I saw in Tibet of some guys wearing sheep skin coats, so its mixing the ethnic elements of that with the much more modern almost futuristic side, tying them together to create a collection for the modern women.

What sort of fabrics have you used?

MW: Silk, mohair and a heavy beaded look has been key to this season’s collection as well as cross section and cashmere.

Have you matched the look of the hair and make up to the collection?

MW: The feel of the collection is luxurious so we wanted the hair to look expensive, polished and really rich looking. Paul Hanlon, our hair stylist and Charlotte Tilbury, make-up are my dream team and we work really well together the girls look super sexy and very strong, very chic

Curly or straights what is your preference for this year?

MW: Straight is in for 2009. This year we are working with ghd backstage in New York and the ghd stylers have really helped achieve the uber straight, sleek, sexy look we were aiming for on the catwalk

How do you decide on the styles you use, of the hair?

MW: It’s a process you go through with the whole team. Vanessa Cole the show stylist was very clear of how she wanted it to look, so we just work together and come up with something with the support of Paul

What look do you feel is really on trend for 2009?

MW: My first look of the show, look number one: a very effortless look consisting of a big “cocoon coat” in beautiful coloured mohair and a little cashmere jumper and a frilly shirt, a really pretty look

What can we expect to see from you over the coming year?

MW: I just opened my first flagship store in New York this week in the meatpacking district and my H&M collaboration launches in April. These are my main focuses for the coming months

Has this range taken inspiration from travelling?

MW: Yes, a trip to Tibet last year which really inspired me on the materials and textures for the collection this season

Any cute accessories that you have spied that are a must have this year?

MW: I am championing the statement necklace this year! The contrast of the heavy be-jewelled oversize necklace against the silk georgette works really well. This season the collection palette had a more natural, muted feel so I used accessories such as the kingfisher blue stone necklaces and watermelon belts to inject pops of colour.

Are you pleased with the result of the hair following your first time collaboration with ghd at NY fashion week?

MW: I am very pleased with the look that Paul Hanlon and the ghd directive produced for the show. The Matthew Williamson girl this season was definitely more slick, urban and luxurious, and the hair styling certainly expressed this. The hair was glossy yet tamed over the crown and then fell into a smooth, sleek long style at the back.

MW: You are a celebrated red carpet designer and a favourite of celebrities the world over - is there anyone who you have not dressed yet that you would love to?

MW: Prints are an integral part of my creative identity and I tend to include gowns in my collections to showcase them, which make for beautiful red carpet dresses. As a designer it is a real honour when a celebrity chooses to wear your dress to a high profile event, and therefore act as an ambassador for the brand.

In the past I have been lucky enough to have been represented by beautiful actresses such as Sienna Miller, Keira Knightley and Gwyneth Paltrow, but this has always occurred naturally through my friendships with them. I don't have a particular person whom I would like to dress, I just enjoy working with women who are not afraid to express themselves.

Filed under: Fashion on 12 MARCH 2009

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