Matthew Williamson

Matthew Williamson

Matthew Williamson is a well known name in fashion, not least because he has a celebrity fan base, which includes Sienna Miller and Cat Deeley, but also because he's associated with style queen of the moment, Cheryl Cole.

So who is Matthew Williamson and what does he contribute to this wonderful world of fashion and style? Well, he was born in Chorlton and studied in Manchester until he reached the age of 18.

Like so many other designers, he then headed to London to study at the school famous for churning out fabulous new talent, Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.

After graduating in 1994, he completed two years work experience with some of the most reputable names in the business; Georgina Von Etzdorf, Marni and Monsoon.

In 1996 he launched his own clothing label with business partner Joseph Velosa, after his beaded bags and scarves had caught the attention of some of the fashion elite, including Jade Jagger.

She later agreed to model for him in his debut catwalk show at London Fashion Week called Electric Angels, which went down a storm with both the fashion world and public alike.

That said, he's received some criticism in his life, mainly from within the fashion industry itself, for using his celebrity clients to showcase and promote his designs.

He now shows his collections twice a year at New York Fashion Week, and usually there is some Indian influences in his designs, perhaps picked up from the time Williamson spent working in India for Monsoon.

In 2005 Williamson launched his own perfume range and in 2006 he took over the role of creative director at Pucci. He announced earlier this year that he would be stepping down from this role to concentrate on other projects.

These are thought to include an expansion in Dubai, a new range for Debenhams and also a much anticipated collaboration with high-street favourite, H&M.

2009 is set to be Williamson's busiest year to date, so it's just as well you know who he is and what he's about, because this is a name you will hear a lot in the next year.