The young fashion designer Mathilde Baud describes her design DNA as „quite sportswear with a vintage feel“. We met up in cyberspace and talked to her about the things that influence her work, her design approach, what’s boring about fashion right now and which new aspects she brings into the fashion business.
Hi Mathilde, how are you doing?
I am good ! How are you doing ?
I am good, too, thank you! You are studying fashion design in your third year now. What drove you to fashion in the first place?
As cliché as it could sound I have always been attracted to Fashion design, I started making my own clothes at the age of 12 after my grandmother taught me how to sew so studying fashion has always been an evidence to me. I like the fact that my studies allow me to explore so many different areas which I am interested in, such as handcraft’s sewing and pattern making to more digital print making.
„I think it’s really important as young creatives to be aware of the world around us especially in the design field […].“
How would you describe your work / designs?
I always try to diversify my work and inspiration. However, I feel that my aesthetic still remains the same, I would describe my design DNA as quite sportswear with a vintage feel, very colorful, full of print, not to be taken too seriously at all times!
Who or what influences your work?
Getting inspiration from things that I am passionate about such as Asian culture or personal heritage and looking back at the 60/70s helps me to escape from reality creating my own space where I can explore themes and express myself freely. I am also a lot inspired by actual or old designers and artists, I think it’s really important as young creatives to be aware of the world around us especially in the design field, looking back at what has been done in the past and what is happening right now.
Can you tell us a bit about your design approach?
I always try to do things with passion, getting myself out of my comfort zone in order to create things that are more spontaneous with an authentic feel to it. It is often hard to stay 100% true to yourself while creating and it is a challenge I am trying my best to achieve through every project.
And how do you start a new design process?
I often start doing some draping with clothes or fabric scratches on the mannequin, trying to create innovative silhouettes to then collage them together into something new. While starting toiling and creating an actual piece of clothing I can then realize what would be achievable and successful as a final garment.
„Fashion to me doesn’t have to be complicated and the fashion industry has somehow become a little too dark and complex.“
Do you listen to any music while creating? If yes, what are you listening to currently?
I always listen to music while creating ! It is actually playing quite an important role in my design process. Listening to music which relates to the project I am working on really helps me setting up a bubble where I feel more excited working around my theme. Recently I have been listening to lots of 60s french New Wave artists such as Serge Gainsbourg and 70s british rock bands.
Which were the biggest challenges so far?
The biggest challenge for me so far was trying to be more sustainable in my process. It is really hard as students to balance the amount of work while trying our best to be more responsible in our consumption when buying fabrics and producing the clothes.
Fashion has been repeating trends every decade – which new aspects do you bring into the fashion business?
I would aspire to bring a certain lightness and authenticity to the business. Fashion to me doesn’t have to be complicated and the fashion industry has somehow become a little too dark and complex. Moreover, I feel that with the current Covid situation which is already quite full of frustrations, people would rather want to wear fresh and bold garments that simply makes them happy.
„It feels like fashion houses have lost their personal identity towards a more globalised fashion world where trends dictate the rules.“
What is the most boring thing about fashion right now?
It is quite sad but I guess inevitable nowadays to see brands getting inspiration and imitating each other. It feels like fashion houses have lost their personal identity towards a more globalised fashion world where trends dictates the rules.
Where would you like to be in ten years?
My dream would be to freelance as a fashion or print designer, travelling around the world discovering new types of cultures and design practices!
What makes you dream?
A piece telling a story which is able to make me travel even though I am staying in the same place.
Thank you so much for your time!