DESIGNER NAME: Maarten van der Horst
BACKGROUND: Maarten graduated with a BA from the ArtEZ Institute
of the Arts in Arnhem, Holland. During his studies he completed an
internship with Chloé in Paris, which “taught me enough to make me want
to do my own thing”. He then moved to London for his MA at Central Saint
Martins. His AW11 collection channelled transvestism and escapism,
marrying intricately embroidered, second-hand nylon petticoats with
Hawaiian shirts, Capri trousers and Bermuda shorts, creating a John
Waters-inspired wardrobe. Spring/summer 2012 is his first season with
Fashion East at London Fashion Week.
SIGNATURES: “Lo-fi, blissed-out, D-I-Y glamour.”
TRADEMARK PIECE: “The ‘dragified’ Hawaiian shirt.”
ON BRITISH MENSWEAR: “It’s unique due to the mix of this
incredible tailoring heritage with an undeniably great sense of humour
and an ever-present subversiveness.”
THE COLLECTION: “Submission and power dressing.”
TIPS FOR THE MAN-ABOUT-TOWN: “Expectations.”
CULTURAL INFLUENCES: “My menswear brand is influenced by the phenomenon of mega brands, mega bands and their cult following.”
PLANS FOR 2013: “Launch of our online shop, which is incredibly exciting!”