For Fall 2012, Mathieu Mirano presented his sophomore collection, and first showing at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, with an air of sophistication well beyond his years. Channeling energy from 2012’s Year of the Dragon, the 20 year old Parson’s drop out was inspired by, ‘heroic, legendary, feminine dragon riders’ which came to him by way of a vivid dream.
The sharply tailored collection consisted of daytime suits fit for the upper crust and dramatic, red carpet ready gowns in a sea of Asian-influenced hues: fiery red, gold, black, silver and navy. The luxurious designs combined chiffon, organza, leather, wool, velvet and fur. And, with no shortage of noteworthy details, featured exposed zippers, sunburst motifs, claw hardware and leather and metallic paillettes—which emanated scale-like textures. His gowns were undoubtedly the standouts and featured just as intricately spellbinding fronts as they did backs.
As if we weren’t smitten enough by Mirano, we are even more so after he so sweetly and candidly took the time to answer a few of our questions. Read up and make sure to keep an eye on this rising star.
COURTNEY PORKOLÁB - What was the inspiration behind this collection?
MATHIEU MIRANO - Heroic, legendary, feminine dragon riders.
CP - Do you have a favorite piece?
MM - My favorite piece would have to be the fully embroidered gold and black sequined sunray jacket. They amount of time and effort in getting it perfect gives me a buzz.
CP - All the ladies at FutureClaw have been drooling over your fur and claw jacket (obviously); can you tell us a little more about this piece?
MM - There was a Tuscan lamb fur pelt on the dining room table of my apartment while I was eating breakfast (don't ask me why…) and I just thought it would be a clever and unique way to use the stud hardware. This is how a lot of techniques come about around here at Mathieu Mirano. My apartment is complete chaos and it's interesting to see things that wouldn't normally be paired next to each other. I'm surprised my eggs didn't make it onto that jacket. One day…
CP - Did you catch any of the other shows? If so, who and which shows were your favorites?
MM - I didn't see any other collections in person, a few online. Too busy. But also I really try to stay as far away from other designers and their collections as possible. It's not my thing. It's actually quite annoying having that many designers on the schedule. It's really difficult for the editors and stylists and basically everyone attending the shows. A huge amount of people want to be in this business, but not everyone deserves recognition.
CP - Who would you love to see in your collection?
MM - Angelina Jolie or Imogen Heap.
CP - If you could only wear one designer or brand for the rest of your life, who would it be?
MM - Raf Simons is very cool and I like his clothes. Probably him.
CP - What is the last book you read?
MM - Closer by Dennis Cooper.
CP - If you could go to dinner with anyone —living or dead—who would it be and why?
MM - The musician Imogen Heap. She's incredibly intelligent and in touch with culture, but completely solitary at the same time. I see myself in her. She also just seems like a lovely person. You know what they say about meeting your heroes; they can be real assholes.
CP - What is your favorite…
MM - Band: Shiny Toy Guns
Movie: Pippi Longstocking
Candy or Food: I flip over crepes. I literally can't control myself. When I see crepes on a menu at a restaurant, I have to center myself so that I don't embarrass myself.
Beverage (alcoholic, of course): Champagne. Being in fashion, it's so cliché for me to say, but it's my drink.
NYC Spot: My apartment. It's my safe zone.
CP - I’m sure you have been quite busy in the weeks leading up to Fashion Week! Now that it’s all over (for now), what will you do in your free time? Do you even have any free time?
MM - I love this question simply because I get to divulge to you that I actually DO have free time. Don't believe the lies other people tell you about not having free time. Anyway, I like to ice skate, dance, play the piano, play video games, etc.
CP - And finally, if you didn’t have to worry about work or anything else, what would your perfect day consist of?
MM - Wake up on my own time, go out to breakfast with friends, tell stories we all love to hear and laugh about, play a long game of Mario Party on the N64.