ONWARD with Fashion Designer, Matt Bruening
MUDRA LOVE: Congratulations on your recent launch. What were some of your thoughts, feelings, and motivations behind your latest collection?
MATT BRUENING: THANKS! The primary story of this collection is to celebrate hopefulness. We’ve all been through a lot for nearly two years. I wanted to tell that story to make sure we don’t forget, but also to remind ourselves that we can move forward and progress in a hopeful manner. I was in a creative rut for a while and this helped me in a lot of ways.
ML: Did these thoughts, feelings, and motivations change over the course of their creation?
MB: For sure. As design does, my thoughts / feelings evolve too. My main focus is to tell a story and make sure the pieces compliment that very thoroughly. The cuts, fabrics, silhouettes all represent each part of my story from grief to growth and optimism.
ML: Does design inform vision or vision inform design? Is it a mutual dance for you?
MB: I think they go hand in hand. Sometimes I see something, but the science of design either enhances or eliminates which is why editing is so important from start to finish.
EVA JADEE: What’s it like to put on a runway show?
MB: It sure isn’t easy, but I love the chaotic energy. I am a control freak so I try to handle each aspect, from design to the run of the show, styling, and music. I find it hard to delegate tasks because I don’t want to burden others, but I remind myself that it takes a village to put on a show, so I’m thankful I have support from my immediate crew, creative community, and people who just believe in what I do.
EJ: How do you choose your models?
MB: The model process is both hard and easy… hard because I want every body type, gender, and age. So sorting that out hasn’t been the easiest process for me because of availability, budget, etc. But easy because I know just by looking at someone if they would vibe with the clothes and help tell the story without trying too hard. It’s all about natural swag to me. And my clothes are simple, so I need that extra energy from the person wearing it.
EJ: How do you feel before, during, and after a show?
MB: Definitely anxious. I feel like I want to execute things thoroughly, so up until that happens I’m on edge while still trying to stay focused and present. During the show it feels like a blur… almost like it never happened, and afterwards, I’m the most relieved and thankful and always on the verge of tears since I get overwhelmed with all kinds of emotions that I didn’t even know I had lol.
ML: What’s the best way to recharge?
MB: Nothing makes me feel weightless and like time doesn’t exist like the ocean. It’s part of the reason why I can never live anywhere else in this world.
ML: What’s one word to describe you?
MB: Ambitious.
EJ: What’s another to describe your aesthetic?
MB: Effortless.
ML: Where do we go from here?
MB: Definitely hustling for the holiday season… so we’re popping up in a few places on island. And hoping to get off island between christmas and NYE!