Fashion celebrity

 

　　Meet Simon Cowell’s twin in the fashion world, Julien MacDonald, who judges models in Britain’s Next Top Model.

　　IT was gratifying to finally catch up with Welsh fashion designer Julien MacDonald two weeks ago. Not only because his reputation preceded him but it had been impossible to arrange an interview as he had cancelled three times earlier due to his erratic filming schedule.

　　In Kuala Lumpur to shoot the final episodes of Britain’s Next Top Model (BNTM), MacDonald was amicable and charming, and not at all flustered about having his dinner interrupted by this meeting.

　　

Dashing designer: ‘I love dressing women too much,’ says Julien MacDonald.

　　The London-based design savant had been taught knitting at a young age by his mother, which sparked off his interest in design. He studied textiles at the Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Brighton, and then went on to obtain a degree in fashion from the Royal College of Art.

　　His star was certainly shining brightly as soon after graduation, Karl Lagerfeld roped him in to work for Chanel. MacDonald also had a chance to work together with the late Alexander McQueen , launched his eponymous label in 1997 and entered into partnership with Gruppo Lineapiu three years later. Soon after, he was appointed McQueen’s successor as chief designer at the Paris Haute Couture house of Givenchy.

　　His creations have been worn by celebrities the likes of Kylie Minogue, Geri Halliwell, Shirley Bassey, Carmen Electra and Naomi Campbell. MacDonald was named British Fashion Designer of the Year in 2001 and he also helped redesign British Airways’ flight attendants’ uniforms. He was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to fashion in June 2006.

　　

Models wearing Julien MacDonald’s designs for his Autumn/Winter 2010 collection at London Fashion Week in February.

　　Fresh from his role as a judge on Project Catwalk (the British version of Project Runway), MacDonald landed his current position on BNTM. He shares his love for spicy food and fashion with StarTwo.

　　What’s your take on Malaysia?

　　I knew nothing about Kuala Lumpur before this. I had bought guidebooks but I came here with an open mind. And, I’ve had an amazing time, experiencing the culture and meeting people, and of course, enjoying the hot weather! The beaches are lovely and the environment very different from the city.

　　As a famous designer from London, I’m quite a different fantasy for Malaysians. This place is a million miles away from where I live in Portobello market, which is like the heart of fashion in London. But, I love the fashion of the women in the city here – they dress in a particular way (because of the hot climate) and they are very glamorous, especially the ones in high society. They’ve got a sense of fun, love jewellery and shoes, and are not afraid of colour. And, they love shopping!

　　How are you adapting to the food?

　　I love the spicy food, the crabs and the funny desserts. This is the first time I’ve come across such a food culture where people eat all the time. But then, you never get fat! I hear eating chilli helps to keep you thin so I’ve been eating lots of that!

　　How is it being on BNTM?

　　It’s my first time being on BNTM and I haven’t really done much TV. I don’t want to be seen as a TV celebrity as I’ve got a successful business. My clothes are in major department stores all over world and I’ve got a loyal clientele. (My collection is also in Debenhams, and it’s amazing to come so far and see myself on a poster here, and KL people can buy my clothes.)

　　We started out with 24 girls and are now down to three. It’s always sad when someone has to go. They’re all different and come from different parts of world such as Malta and Jamaica.

　　I’ve been nicknamed the Simon Cowell of fashion on the show as I’m the objective one. Sometimes, you have to be cruel to be kind. When you have a young girl before you, some people you know will never make it. I tell them in a nice way, “Why do you want to be a model? Go back and study, and be a lawyer or something else, because you’re not good enough,” so that they can move on. It’s been an emotional roller coaster as it’s hard to tell someone your dream will never come true.

　　

(From left) Model Charley Speed, Julien MacDonald and stylist Grace Woodward from Britain’s Next Top Model sharing a light moment.

　　What does it take to be the top model?

　　It’s very tough. To win this show, you have to be good at everything. You have to be intelligent, be able to walk and people have to like you. Whether you’re promoting a watch or fashion brand, you need to convey the message in a positive way. They all want to be big, like Elle (Macpherson) or Naomi (Campbell). There’s so much competition from girls from all over the world but there’s only ever going to be one Elle or Naomi.

　　Tell us about your next collection.

　　I’ve just finished my winter collection and it was inspired by this erotic novel by Jilly Cooper. It’s about this group of English ladies who go horse riding and at night, they do naughty things! That’s the story behind the collection. At the end of the show, there were long chiffon dresses with lace that’s very feminine; it’s innerwear and outerwear mixed together.

　　What inspires you?

　　Travelling. I’m inspired by your Malay brocade. I like the textile culture over here, and will take it back and try to reinvent it in a modern way. If I have a creative block, I just stop and do completely different things, like scuba diving, read a book or go to the movies

　　What’s your favourite colour?

　　I like metallic shades – I love gold, silver and fire red.

　　What’s it like working with Elle Macpherson?

　　It’s been amazing. She looks incredible for her age. She’s very professional and she really cares for girls. This project is something she believes in, and she puts her heart and soul in it.

　　If you weren’t a designer, what do you see yourself doing?

　　I might do some more TV in the near future but I don’t want to be a TV celebrity. Otherwise, I see myself in the arts – dabbling in TV, a painter perhaps. I studied all my life to be a designer and I love dressing women too much. Fashion is my passion and TV is my hobby.

　　Who are the people you look up to?

　　Karl Lagerfeld, Andrey Hepburn and especially Marilyn Monroe. I like dangerous women! I admire the styles of people like Gwyneth Paltrow and Liv Tyler

　　What do you have planned for the future?

　　I would like to open my own shop one day, perhaps have my own fragrance and cosmetic line. There are many things I haven’t done. I would love to do clothes for men – there’s a market for glamorous men who like to dress up. And, I have a law degree you know – behind all this creativity, there is a brain – I am intelligent!

　　I love diamonds, pearls and jewellery. This has also been a good business opportunity as I managed to meet up with the owners of jewellery and pearl centre Rafflesia. I’ll be working on a project involving my new line of accessories in collaboration with them. I plan to come back later this year to feature an exclusive line of Malaysian-inspired couture gowns with pearls and embroidery, and shoes specially designed by Jimmy Choo.