Interview
Interview with Matt Bernson
Samantha Cabrera
PD: What is the best way to care for our flats?
Wear them into the ground and then like a good monk don’t stay attached, move on.
PD: When it comes to bags matching shoes, what are your thoughts? Necessary or terribly old-fashioned?
Not a fan.
PD: Any thoughts on the next big trend in footwear?
I like the tiny teeny peep toe on flats. Gold and silver will always be in, but next season we are using unusual materials to express this trend. And something I see a lot is women buying 4 pairs of one style in every color rather than one pair of super expensive mega-label shoes.
PD: You’re brilliant with answers…what did you do before going into the shoe business?
I think it was just good questions…
I worked in construction in New York City. And before that I worked at a now defunct adventure travel magazine writing copy from the confines of a small cramped office. I never got to go anywhere, but I wrote about awesome adventure travel destinations all over the globe.
PD: American fashion tends to be a bit more laid-back than the rest of the world, is this a good thing or bad?
While it tends to be quite casual I think there is a healthy and interesting mix of dressed-up and laid-back. Blazers with t-shirts underneath, cocktail dresses with sandals. There is always the fringe having fun and being free.
PD: While travel is an inspiration, is there any city that really grabs your attention when it comes to style?
I think that Tokyo has the most dynamic and progressive fashion and shopping that I have seen, but I have not been everywhere. They are very open to new brands in a way that I have not seen anywhere else.
PD: Your shoes have interesting names. Why and how do you choose names for the shoes?
I named the first collection after all of my favorite beaches worldwide. But then I ran out of cool yet feminine sounding beach names. I am somewhat anti using women’s names, although I do use them when I feel it fits – it is kind of an easy way out. Names are important, it is worth the toil and agony to come up with them if it evokes an emotional response or defines a style.
PD: We’re guessing the names of the shoes come after the actual design of the shoe. Does it ever happen the other way around?
The name pre-design is usually unmarketable. Names like “the strappy beaded one,” “Kiri’s favorite” and “The Low Wedge” don’t really sing. Naming is that thing we do right before we go to market, painting ourselves into a corner and trying to come up with the last three is next to impossible.
PD: You’re venturing into flats and pumps in the coming fall collection. Will we ever see the Matt Bernson brand go beyond footwear?
We have already done some limited edition canvas beach totes. It is my hope that there is no limit to what we can get into in the future. But for the near term, footwear, bags, and maybe some jewelry. After going to the restaurant Fig and Olive last night I want to get into the olive oil trade. Think of the radiant skin.
PD: What are your thoughts on these brands that want to conquer the world? Should designers stick to what they’re good at, or grow, grow, grow at every waking chance?
I am not sure they are out to conquer the world. I see them creating their very own little universe. I think Paul Smith is the ultimate in terms of having this signature aesthetic that really translates well into anything he is interested in. And that is when it is cool. If it is done just to expand and grow and make more cash then it is very evident in the product and presentation. If the people behind the designer label have a passion for where they expand, then in my mind it works.
PD: Now for some fun stuff:
What are your plans for the summer?
My sister is getting married in Tanzania, so I am going to do some traveling in Africa. And I am getting married in Provence, France in Sept, so I am guessing there might be a few loose ends that need to be attended to before that.
PD: Anything on your playlist we should be listening to?
The Black Angels, Meowskers.
PD: What is your favorite thing to snack on when working into the wee hours?
Ben and Jerry’s Half Baked ice cream. Or maybe a glass white wine if I am doing some tedious task.
PD: Everyone has a favorite sitcom that they can watch reruns of for hours on end (whether they want to admit it or not), what’s yours?
Overused but true, Seinfeld.
PD: Do you have any grand childhood memories that are reflected in your work?
When I was 13 I searched high and low for a pair of Asics running shoes with a neon green split tongue. They didn’t make them in my size, I searched high and low. I called Asics and no one would help me. So if someone emails or calls looking for a shoe they saw somewhere I do anything in my power to help them. I feel their pain.
samantha@papierdoll.net
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