Designer Nazanin Rose Matin is coming off the tails of launching her brand new eponymous scarf collection, which is now available internationally on her website. We spoke to the designer about inspiration, the importance of a powerful print and the challenges of running a luxury accessories business.
Jeffery: What inspires your designs?
Rose Matin: I was interested in working with traditional craftspeople and artisans. I was inspired by Persian Nomadic tribes and decided to work with them on my embroidered scarves. I wanted to use traditional techniques in a modern way so that they could be worn in the city, creating an authentic product that supports and showcases the work of these amazing craftspeople. My concept is for the local, global, urban and ethnic to coexist. Most of my designs are symbolic to my Persian heritage, whether it's inspiration from literature, architecture, poetry, science or landscape and nature.
Jeffery: What made you chose the scarf over other accessories and what is it that you love about prints?
Rose Matin: A scarf is a blank canvas. I like to tell a story through my drawings and prints, which have a whimsical, ethereal feel and are collectible pieces to be treasured for years to come. Developing my brand has allowed me free reign in prints and textiles, which is liberating after having worked for other companies in the industry for several years. The scarf is the ultimate accessory. You can wear it in so many ways. It's perfect for a desert island escape!
Jeffery: What can you tell about a woman by her choice of scarf?
Rose Matin: Scarves allow the wearer to make a statement. They add color and print with one simple accessory and make even the most basic outfit stand out and look effortlessly cool. The women I design for aren't looking for trends but rather that special, timeless piece.
Jeffery: What is the most challenging aspect of running your own business?
Rose Matin: The most challenging part is being the creative driver of the business and simultaneously running the operations on a day-to-day basis. The best part is being able to deicide on the creative direction of the brand in order to shape the business to match my vision. Nevertheless, being a small business owner means that I need to play several different roles and be very hands on.
Jeffery: How do you feel about the ever-increasing presence of new technologies in the artistic world?
Rose Matin: It's really exciting as it opens up more and more possibilities for designers. However, I think it's important not to forget about the craft. Digital technologies shouldn't be a replacement for what can be done by hand and should instead be used to enhance and compliment traditional skills to do things that weren't possible before. Personally, I think that something that has been created digitally doesn't have the same essence and soul as something that has had a human touch.