… and the Karl Lagerfeld Innovation Award
…the rest of y’all thanks for coming but you can go home now.
Central Saint Martins grad Matty Bovan, known for his delightfully refreshing “more is more” aesthetic is proving it once again as he walks away with not only this year’s Woolmark Prize but also the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation leaving the rest of the contenders empty handed. (but of course grateful for the “opportunity” and “experience”–and with some money of their own).
Carine Roitfeld, she of the perfect smoky eye and seer of all things fashion said of Matty B,
““He is pure fashion, he makes me dream and he reminds me of a young Vivienne Westwood or a John Galliano and we desperately need that sort of designer in the fashion world of today.””
We completely agree. Matty Bovan’s Ode to the Sea draws inspiration from travelling and escapism – going through a traumatic event and coming out the other side. Based in York, he worked with local suppliers and manufacturers, supporting local businesses, craftspeople and artisans through his tight supply chain network.
Using roll end cloth from AW Hainsworth, screen printing and hand painting, Matty B gave new life to discarded pieces of fabric. Limited runs in-house turned deadstock fabric into commercial limited pieces.
“It’s a huge honor to win these prizes and I’m so excited for where it’s going to take me,” said Bovan. “I was already so thrilled with the Woolmark Prize platform and experience. Being a part of the International Woolmark Prize has really helped elevate my brand and elevate my awareness and knowledge of how I operate as a business and as a label. It’s been amazing and I have loved every minute of it.”
Seriously, we are impressed. The competition was indeed fierce. So congrats Matty Bovan.
–Katya Moorman
