Getty Images.

Getty Images.

Getty Images 2012

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The Kids Company supports over 17,000 youngsters across London by supporting families to improve their living conditions; operating as an educational centre for youngsters who’ve been excluded from, or dropped out, of school; and offering structure and support with an after school club.

‘It’s hard to imagine the level of deprivation these kids face’ Matthew explains. ‘They live in complete disrepair with no food and no furniture…Most of the time we’re not aware that such poverty exists on our own doorstep but it suddenly feels very real.’

The project enables children to take part in all kinds of activities that they’d never otherwise get the chance to try. By doing so, they realise their potential, their behaviour improves and their performance at school is enhanced.  In short, it gives them a more positive outlook on life.  To see the activities in action, Matthew enjoyed an afternoon with the children in the art room, helping to decorate tutu-dresses that they’ll be wearing at an upcoming carnival.

Speaking of the project Matthew said, ‘It’s a really great environment for kids who are struggling with major problems in their lives. It’s instantly warm, welcoming and homely……It’s amazing that the kids are able to come to a place like this. With time, patience and a lot of care, they start to see what they’re capable of. It’s incredible to see.’

Matthew hopes his range of reusable shopping bags, designed in aid of Sport Relief, will help to raise even more funds for the charity, ‘I’d urge everyone to buy one of my bags. The money raised from each one really can make a massive difference. I’ve seen it for myself. It’s an absolute privilege to be involved in this year’s Sport Relief campaign’, he says.

The Matthew Williamson designed reusable shopper is now available to buy exclusively in Sainsbury’s stores nationwide.

This season the imagined Matthew Williamson woman is celebrating the brands 15 year anniversary by way of a decadent ball in an English stately home.  A distortion of nature plays a pivotal role through print. Baroque inspired florals and birds in flight are fractured with shards of bold block colour inspired by the mixed media works of artist Lola Dupre.  Extravagant column dresses cut from silk chiffons are laden with antique silver beads and cutwork in the formation of corroding chandeliers.  Tailoring remains clean lined and relaxed in shades of deep berry, wedgewood and soft blush.  Dresses and separates are sharply cut with attention drawn to graphic lines and simplicity. Faberge inspired golden tapestries, flecked with mint green lurex provide intensity and an heirloom like quality. Further decadence is added in the form of vintage jewellery inspired beading with claw stone crystals and fluorescent beads.

The collection showcased Matthew’s second shoe collaboration with Charlotte Olympia, featuring colour block nappa leather shoes and boots atop metallic platforms.

Once again the show attracted a fashionable crowd from Maryna Linchuk on the runway, to Poppy Delevigne, Olivia Palermo and Leigh Lezark front row.

For more exclusive footage from the Autumn Winter ‘12 show, follow the World of Matthew Williamson on Facebook.

Photography by Dan Lecca.

Outerwear is seen in chunky gold leaf flecked boucles and graphic wool and lurex weaves, cut into lean and angular shapes. Pastel tones of fox and raccoon are cut into a modern day patchwork, providing the ultimate luxury cover up.

Tailoring remains clean lined, relaxed and languid in shades of deep berry, wedgewood and soft blush wool crepe, whilst similar styles are cut into techno shine wool.

Moving into evening, dresses and separates are once again sharply cut with attention drawn to graphic lines and simplicity. Faberge inspired golden tapestries, flecked with mint green lurex provide intensity and an heirloom like quality. Further decadence is added in the form of vintage jewellery inspired beading with claw stone crystals and fluorescent beads.

Event dressing packs an extravagant punch with column dresses cut from silk chiffons laden with antique silver beads and cutwork in the formation of corroding chandeliers.

A distortion of nature plays a pivotal role through print once again expressing the old and the new. Intricately drawn baroque inspired florals and birds in flight are captured and then fractured with shards of bold block colour inspired by the mixed media works of artist Lola Dupre.