Soft tailoring, fresh linen and a splash of Miami Vice defined Matteau’s resort 2023 collection, which was presented to triumphant applause at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week.
The collection, which was almost exclusively neutral toned, emanated a sense of ease and relaxation—silhouettes flowed and skirts billowed.
Of course, it was all very deliberate. Matteau set out to create a collection that reflected the brand’s state of mind—them and everyone else—the want, and need for escapism.
Below, marie claire catches up with the brand on its inspirations for resort 2023.
How does sustainability influence the design process?
Our pursuit of reducing our environmental footprint is continuous, from the start of our design process through to the finished product and our everyday operations. We have been selected to participate in the Australian Fashion Council’s FashTech Lab program in creating a viable pathway for the development of 3D digital design for the Australian fashion industry, which will see a huge shift in creating a far more sustainable design process into the future.
Tell us about the new collection and what inspired it?
We started this collection at the end of last year when we really felt like we needed an escape. An escape somewhere warm. An escape from reality and to brighter days. It is a collection for women to feel confident and powerful, yet relaxed wherever they are.
What does showing at AAFW means to you?
Matteau is about subtlety and nuance. Sometimes you need a little amplification for these things.
Do you have a standout moment or memory from AAFW?
Our first show was a really lovely experience that we had a wonderful response from, so we are looking forward to working toward that feeling again.
What Australian designers throughout history do you look up to or have inspried you and why?
We have a close circle of friends who are designers: Christopher Esber, Michael Losordo, Charlotte Hicks of Esse, Anna from A.Emery. It is nice to be surrounded by like-minded peers who help and support each other and give each other advice when we need it. This moment in time feels really special to us and we are grateful to be among friends and be having such a great time building a family business.
In three words, who is the Matteau wearer?
Warm, confident, relaxed.
