British menswear designer Martine Rose is now into the 4th year of her self titled label. Interest in Martine’s designs is growing and I was lucky enough to ask her some quick questions..unfortunately I now have to try and get another interview to ask why her models have tights and butterflies on their heads..
SAR: Have you always been interested in men’s design and if not, when did you realise that was what you wanted to do?
MR: I have always dressed in mens clothes myself, or at least a mixture of women’s and mens but I never really formalised it as an ”interest in menswear’ I just think it is my natural aesthetic, I realised when all of the women’s wear I designed, looked like boys clothes.
SAR: Who or what have been your biggest influences?
MR: Living in London, Music, Friends, Family, street culture
SAR: In terms of icons, who do you see as the most influential or stylish male style icon? Which man would you love or would you have loved to design clothes for?
MR: Ooooooo thats soooo hard! Hmmm David Hockney has a pretty bangin’ personal style, I would love to design for him….and Nas
SAR: If you could only ever work with one material again, which would it be and why?
MR: Cotton I think as it is the foundation of every good shirt.
SAR: What should every man have in his wardrobe?
MR: a good shirt
SAR: What would your best piece of advice be with regard to dressing/style for men?
MR: Be brave but be authentic, if it’s fashionable but doesn’t suit you just don’t wear it.
SAR: What piece are you most proud of that you’ve designed?
MR: SS11 printed bomber, and AW08 quilted shirt. Those are they pieces that I get asked for over and over again! I love them
SAR: If I was to buy one item from your latest collection what would you suggest?
MR: Jeans obviously!
