The Luxury Fashion House
Matthew Williamson was founded in February 1997 by designer, Matthew Williamson and CEO, Joseph Velosa. In September 1997 Matthew Williamson showed his infamous debut collection, 'Electric Angels', during London Fashion Week. Bias cut dresses and separates in exotic shades of tangerine, fuchsia and magenta were worn by models Kate Moss, Helena Christensen and Jade Jagger. This unique collection of bright, intricately detailed pieces defined and set the pace for the highly recognisable Matthew Williamson signature aesthetic.
Following his first show, Matthew Williamson's collections have continued to gather momentum, cementing his reputation as an internationally renowned designer and as one of the UK's leading designer talents. In February 2002, Matthew showed for the first time during New York Fashion Week expanding opportunities within the press and attracting a wider audience commercially.
Matthew Williamson continues to show at New York Fashion Week, with the exception of the Spring 2008 collection, which was shown as a one off at London Fashion Week to mark the label's 10th Year Anniversary. This anniversary show included an exclusive performance by the artist, Prince, to open the show. Additional anniversary celebrations included an exhibition at the Design Museum London titled "Matthew Williamson – 10 Years In Fashion".
In August 2007 TSM Capital acquired an equity stake in Matthew Williamson Holdings Ltd. Baugur Group, which invested in the company in 2006, maintain a significant equity interest in the business. TSM Capital made the investment in collaboration with the Aronsson Group. Matthew Williamson and Joseph Velosa, the company's founders, between them retain the majority stake in the company.
The luxury fashion house now produces 4 women's wear collections annually and currently has a customer portfolio which includes 170 prestigious wholesale accounts around the world and also has an award-winning flagship store on Bruton Street, London. Matthew Williamson opened its first US flagship store located at 413, West 14th Street, New York in February 2009. The new US store will accompany 2 further stand alone retail stores in Dubai Mall, DUBAI opening in 2009 and subsequently in The 360 Mall, KUWAIT.
Matthew Williamson is regularly worn by a variety of internationally recognised clients including; Sienna Miller, Keira Knightley, Kate Hudson, Mischa Barton, Thandie Newton, Helena Christensen, Gwyneth Paltrow.
