KEY POINTS:
As a child, Toni Maticevski didn't realise where the outfits he used to make from curtains could take him.
"Then I saw Valentino on the TV show Donahue and thought, 'That's it. That's what I want to do'."
The 30-year-old Melburnian has worked with Donna Karan in New
York and in Paris for Cerutti. His signature style involves a complex method of folding, twisting, draping and pleating and he's been known to take to the edge of a dress with a candle flame.
"It's too easy to acquire ideas by opening up art books or fashion magazines. If you access your designs from the point of view of emotion, you can change what you know and what others see."
Who are your favourite fashion designers at the moment?
Yves Saint Laurent designer Stefano Pilati is great. I like how he confuses and makes fashion something more than just fashionable.
What won't you be wearing this season?
I won't be wearing black. It's dry and hot in Melbourne.
What endures throughout the seasons?
Cool colours. Neutrals are great as they're a base for anything. You can add colours or shades. It always looks great.
What do you wear to work?
Mostly jeans - any colour. At the moment a grey green, or almost pastel blue (I know it sounds yuck but it's not), and layered T-shirts. I like low-cut T-shirts covered by long-sleeved high-cut ones. It gives a 3-D feel.
What is your biggest fashion indulgence?
Fabric. There's nothing better than a dress, suit or piece made from fabric that looks and feels beautiful, even if it costs more. You'll treasure it for longer.
What is the biggest fashion mistake you have ever made?
Using models who've never modelled before. They took the shoes off mid-way down the catwalk or went barefoot because they couldn't be bothered. It's funny now, but never again.
What is the last item of clothing you bought?
It was probably about two years ago - a Martin Margiela tank top and Preen pants.
Any style icons?
Don't know about the word icon but stylish - Angelina Jolie, Kate Moss and Scarlett Johansson. I like how she'll go with the weird piece and still make it work somehow.
Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?
Mouna Ayoub. She buys couture every season and stores it on mannequins. How awesome would that be? And maybe the Balenciaga archive.
What will you be buying for summer?
Shoes. I like Pierre Hardy's painted canvas ones, possibly in white.
What is your design ethos?
Fall in love with your work and it will make others love it too.
Who would you most like to dress?
Hilary Swank. That body. She's just too beautiful and strange and brilliant.
Your proudest moment as a designer?
Showing in New York for the first time in September and having my best friends who have been with me from the beginning with me.
What would you like your fashion legacy to be?
His work was like the person he was.
What would you be doing if you weren't designing?
Probably music. A producer or singer?
