MATTHEW WILLIAMSON'S business success rests upon a balance of two key factors - creativity and a strong business mind.
"I wouldn't be where I am today without Joseph[Velosa, the label's ceo]," said the designer at a Harvard Business School discussion last night. "I have always been clear about what I wanted to do and who I wanted to dress. However, you need that business sense to help direct your talent. Because at the end of the day you are selling clothes and that is the reality which we live in."
The talk, titled Building A Fashion Brand, featured panelists including British Fashion Council ceo Caroline Rush, chairman Harold Tillman, as well as Matthew Williamson, and his ceo Joseph Velosa.
"You have to start with a mission statement and be clear what you are trying to sell and who you are trying to sell it to," explained Velosa.
"In order to have a successful fashion brand, you obviously need a creative talent but also a business mind to drive that creativity," said Tillman. "Matthew has Joseph to fuel his creative ability to help steer their business in the right direction."
As the evening continued, Caroline Rush spoke about the current economic environment and its negative effect on fashion.
"The lack of financial backing is an obstacle," she admitted. "We [the BFC] are continuing to lobby with the government, while trying to keep the funding streams open for commercial sponsorship. This way, young designers can continue to show and thrive at London Fashion Week."
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