This week, we introduced four finalists in the race for Cultivate Award Second year Grand Prize. The Cultivate Awards will be broadcast on April 23, and the four finalists will be selected by a notable panel of judges and guided by a renowned mentor who will showcase their work. them in hopes of winning a $10,000 prize and a chance to own a capsule collection with ELOQUII!
Ahead of the LIVE event, we want you to get to know each of our finalists better! Of course, you’ve already learned about finalists Angela Rene’, Charniece White, and Le’Andra Dove, so today we’re going to take a look. Matthew Robinson belong to Matthew Paul Robinson!
Cultivate Awards Finalist Spotlight: Matthew Robinson
Fashion has been a part of Matthew Robinson’s life for as long as he can remember. He recalls paying attention to people’s styles since he was a kid. It’s almost as if his eyes have a feature [fashion] function. So at the age of 13, when he designed his first dress while laying on the floor of his parents’ living room… that’s when he knew fashion was his calling!
In 10th grade, Matthew began designing evening gowns for girls at his school. He would hold consultations between classes – and sometimes during class time – then go home to do a sketch. Once the sketch is perfected, these classmates transfer clients who will bring the drawings to the tailors to bring them to life.
Matthew went on to study fashion design at El Camino College in Torrance, California and earned a College of Arts degree. He then transferred to San Francisco State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Costume Design and Merchandising.
In 2017, Matthew participated in Full Figure Fashion Week, presenting his first collection. The collection, “Part One: Color Blocks”, was released in January 2018. Receiving positive feedback from FFFW inspired him to found his current company.
At Matthew Paul Robinson Inc., he creates clothes his customers will want to wear for years. The focus is on a great fit, playful colors, sexy silhouette and ease of movement.
Get to know the finalists for the cultivation award, in their own words
What inspired you to become a designer?
“I believe fashion has found me. As a child, I was fascinated with what people wore and with the fashion I saw on TV. I designed my first dress with no intention of designing a dress. One day, I sketched as usual, and I just started designing a dress. “
Where do you get your inspiration from?
“Inspiration is all around me. I keep my eyes wide open and try to notice the people and things that I pass. That’s me [crazy] who will stop someone on the street to tell them they look great. Art, film and television are also great sources of inspiration.”
Are there any designers that inspire you?
“I really love Tibi’s Amy Smilovic, Raf Simons and Miuccia Prada.”
What do you feel the fashion industry is missing?
“I think the fashion industry is missing extended sizes in the store. Customers exist! Plus size people want to spend their money but usually have to wait 2-3 days for delivery. Having the expansion sizes available in the store is great for the bottom line of the stores. In addition, more premium products with extended dimensions are needed. Not only clothes but also accessories and jewelry”.
How would you describe your personal style?
“Casual. All American. Jeans, sweater or T-shirt and a pair of boots. I switch to summer oxfords when the weather is warm. I have a uniform. I adore Fran’s style. Lebowitz. So that’s who I look for because of my personal taste.”
What do you feel makes your design stand out from other designers?
“My designs stand out for their perfect fit, quality fabric and vibrant colors.”
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since founding your brand?
“The biggest lesson I learned was that I had to go at my own pace, and I should have started slower. I was in a hurry to resemble the big brands, and it wasn’t the smartest move.”
Don’t forget to reply to the live event!
