STYLEist: The Rising Designer Interviews - Andrew Majtenyi

By suke Last edited 160 months ago
STYLEist: The Rising Designer Interviews - Andrew Majtenyi

STYLEist celebrates the amazing talents of the capital's up and coming style-setters.

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Andrew Majtenyi

is an award winning fashion designer with a strong creative instinct and edgy sense of style that sets him apart from the conventional. Unlike most fashion designers who start with a sketch, Majtenyi gets his inspiration from the fabric. His vision for each piece manifests itself in his mind and is further influenced by whatever attracts his attention in that moment. The gamut runs from Hirsutism and Oxytocin to skydiving and police car chases, to name a few.He feeds this no-holds-barred, free-association creativity in many ways. From his frequent international trips and the latest art/fashion installations, all keep Majtenyi on the pulse of what’s to come in the world of fashion and trends. In addition to creating couture-inspired and upscale sportswear collections for the sexy and bold woman, Majtenyi also designs for the film and television industry. Over the past 15 years, he has worked on numerous productions, including The Sentinel starring Michael Douglas, Kiefer Sutherland and Eva Longoria. Over the years he learned about filmmaking, a skill he now uses to write and direct the film shorts that open his fashion shows.Majtenyi is one of the few designers who have had the opportunity to tour internationally, being a Guest Designer to Dubai, Prague, and Zagreb Fashion Weeks.Awards for Majtenyi’s work include winning the Design Exchange Award for Fashion Design 2005, 2006 and 2007, choice recipient for the City of Toronto FILC “Most Promising New Designer,” in addition to being the Mecene Golden Needle Award Finalist in Los Angeles.Majtenyi studied various aspects of Fashion Design, Colour Theory and Image Management at Niagara, Sheridan and George Brown Colleges in addition to the prestigious London Central School of Fashion in London. He apprenticed under master tailor Vincenzo Cardone in late 19th and 20th century tailoring and then with Madame Sophie who taught him advanced draping techniques. In the mid-90s, Majtenyi honed his couture skills while working with the National Ballet of Canada under Oscar nominated and Tony award winner, Santo Loquasto. These theatrical influences are seen in the cut, fit and finishing of his pieces. Majtenyi is also a trained image consultant.Describe your brandA womenswear collection with emphases forward-thinking tailoring, textured fabrics and prints.What does fashion mean to you?An exploration of fabric and design, how they are combined and how they are taken forward.Who epitomises London Fashion for you?Wow London fashion changes so fast sometimes its quite hard to keep up. There is the old school of traditional classic British tailoring and quite fancy Grieves and Hawkes. For more forward looks during London Fashion Week at Somerset House is quite the place for those who like to experiment with what they wear. I can't be specific on an individual as one day they look fab but the next day total wardrobe malfunction..How has London inspired you or your designs?There is always so much happening in London, both good and bad. It is quite stimulating to be bombarded by it all..The gray and cloudy weather also helps with my creativity. I guess if it was sunny and hot everyday I would want to be on the beach.Where do you hang out?My most frequent places include the Hospital Club, Sketch, Shoreditch House. I love to visit the V&A and the Design Museum for their new exhibitions. On vacation I love to spend time in Monte Carlo and St-Tropez.What's the worst outfit you've seen someone wearing on the tube?I am still seeing a few stuck in the early 90's, especially those jean jackets. Also those nerd glasses everyone is wearing is really annoying - why would they do that to themselves?What was the first thing you designed?A low lapelled jacket made from old bedsheets. - way back when I knew nothing on how to sew it. The pattern was made from scratch.Which designers inspire you?There are so many interesting collections seen this past season.Alexander McQueen for his cut, Mary Kratzou for her prints, Giles for his colour combinations. Early Helmut Lang is a true inspiration.Where can we buy your clothes?Sally Cubby (Cumbria), Voulve (Kent) and of course my shop at 365 St. John's Street EC1V 4LB.Website: www.andrewmajtenyi.com
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Last Updated 18 November 2010