New York-based designer Mathieu Mirano may be only 22, but he has already been tapped as one of America’s young designers to watch. With designs worn by the likes of Lady Gaga and Nicole Richie and features in Elle US and WWD, the industry has been paying attention to this cutting edge creative. Recently, we got a chance to ask Mirano about his inspirations, what it was like working with Lady Gaga and living in the Big Apple.
“Our industry is multidimensional, and that is very exciting for me to be a part of. I also love women and want to make them happy. The Mathieu Mirano woman is very powerful, confident, and secure, and I am inspired by her every day.”
How would you describe your design aesthetic?
The Mathieu Mirano aesthetic is clean, tailored, and refined. It is all about a classic silhouette with a twist. The clothes are very wearable, but the constructions and details give them an edge.
What inspired you to become a designer?
I discovered that as a designer, you can delve into many different aspects of creation. Art, music, set design, social media, and many other fields are all combined together in the world of fashion. Our industry is multidimensional, and that is very exciting for me to be a part of. I also love women and want to make them happy. The Mathieu Mirano woman is very powerful, confident, and secure, and I am inspired by her every day. She also has a wicked side to her, which is very powerful and endearing.
Can you tell us what it was like working with Lady Gaga? What inspired the looks she wore at “Good Morning America”
Working with Gaga is a dream come true. She is such an inspiring woman. She allows me to be free in what I create, and I appreciate that so much. Her stylist, Brandon Maxwell, also is an amazing man and collaborator. It is such a joy to work with them both, and we will continue doing so throughout the coming year.
The look for GMA was inspired by the new direction that Gaga is taking. It’s a cleaner look now, very tailored and sophisticated. For this look in particular, we wanted to take the idea of a suit jacket and flip it on its head. We pulled out the sharp shapes from the rounded forms of the garment to create very new and exciting forms.
How about the harness she wore in her “Applause” music video?
The harness we created for the “Applause” video was inspired by the Mata Hari, a World War I courtesan and convicted spy. Her darkness was powerful, so along with Gaga’s team, we came up with the idea to make the pieces out of burnt duct tape and safety pins. There were some crystals thrown in there as well for added glamour. I am incredibly honored to have been styled with an archival John Galliano gown in the video. It was a dream come true.
Do you think your age brings a unique perspective to your designs?
Absolutely. I think being young adds freshness and a certain hunger. When you’re young, you really want to push the boundaries. This is where I am right now in working with Gaga. In my own collection, it’s more realistic, but with Gaga, it’s a magical fashion playland.
Can you tell us anything about your s/s 2014 collection?
It’s the best collection yet! I’m so excited to show it during NYFW. I can’t reveal much, but I will say that it is on trend and incorporates beautiful laces.
How do you think living in a fashion capital like New York has influenced your work?
Living in New York definitely influences me, mostly because walking around the city and seeing so many beautiful women every day is inspiring. It makes me want to continue to serve them and make them feel beautiful. My most important job is to make the Mathieu Mirano woman feel confident. My goal is to put a smile on her face.
In the past few years, we have seen a lot of brands embrace social sites like Facebook and Twitter, and see you’re active too. What do you think about social media in regards to your brand?
It’s becoming more and more important to me every day. I want to connect with my women and my fans, as well as be inspired by people that I admire. I want to touch as many people as I can with my vision, and I want to be touched by their visions, so talking to them directly through something like social media is a gift. It’s my ticket to their hearts.
