Société Perrier X GrandLife Interview: Toni Maticevski
Merging edgy construction with a romantic aesthetic, Melbourne-based designer Toni Maticevski's (pictured below) designs are are equally loved by fashion-forward trendsetters and sophisticated women who gravitate toward his feminine pieces. His Spring/Summer 2012 collection features sleek cocktail dresses accentuated with eye-catching peplum, metallic outerwear and brocade gowns. We sat down with the designer at a breakfast organized by Fashion Palette in NYC to speak about his recent foray into menswear, his work designing ballet costumes and his hidden talents. We've teamed up with our friends at GrandLife, one of New York's premier boutique lifestyle sites, to double your reading pleasure. The first installment of an ongoing collaboration, you can find more about Maticevski here.
Your clothes intend to elicit an emotional response, what do you mean by that?
Toni Maticevski: I am drawn to capturing a certain mood or sensation in my presentations. I like to display to a certain time in one's life, whether it be a break-up, a romance or other life event. I like creating moments.
How has your Macedonian heritage influenced you clothes, if at all?
I wouldn't say it's a huge influence but I do think the element of melancholy in Macedonian culture has found a way into my work. It's more subtle, the emotional tone of the Macedonian environment comes through in my collections.
What type of woman do you design for?
I design for women aged 18 to 85. I have a specific aesthetic in mind in terms of my design but I want my clothes to be accessible to everyone. I want women to be able to relate to the clothes, regardless of size and shape.
How did you modify your designs for the ballet Aviary: Suite for the Bird (pictured below) costumes ? What did you take into consideration?
I had carte blanche to come up with designs resembling birdlife. Each dancer had unique, unexpected details for example detailing on a headpiece or a nipple showing. It was important for me to bring out the personality of each dancer in the form of their costume.
What's your favorite cocktail?
I like a lychee martini. It's fresh, subtle, light and a little bit naughty.
Do you have a hidden talent?
I like to write and paint. I do that for myself, it's something I don't need to share or expose.
