Style File: Matt Zwartz from Skull and Bones

SKULL AND BONES, will debut at New Zealand Fashion Festival 2012, so we thought we'd catch up with founder and Creative Director Matt Zwartz about his inspiration, cringe outfit from the past and of course what he would never be caught wearing.

Name: Matt

Matt is the founder and Creative Director at SKULL AND BONES. His greatest achievement in fashion was to win the Vance Vivian Man of the Moment at the Wellington Cup rather a long time ago.

Of fashion and life, he subscribes to Dorothy Parker's philosophy that, "Beauty is skin deep, but ugly goes right to the bone."

Tell us about the inspiration behind your label?

SKULL AND BONES is inspired by the misfitted, the disaffected, and the rebel in all of us. It’s all about the desire to create something meaningful and beautiful with the brand and our lives.

What’s your favourite thing about being a designer and what is one style rule you always follow?

I can’t really call myself a designer, to be honest, because I’m not. But I work with three designers and an illustrator, and we laugh all day, which is pretty much my favorite thing.

My style rule: Fashion is temporary, style is permanent. Carry yourself with presence. 

Apart from the normal keys, phone and wallet what are three things that are always in your handbag?

I’m a man. I don’t carry a handbag.

Everyone has a cringe fashion outfit from their past, describe yours?

Tartan pants, white shirt, blue tassel loafers, stetson hat. 1987. How could anyone actually think that outfit was cool?

Finish this sentence...I would never be caught wearing?

Speedos. Which will be an immense relief to all concerned, I’m quite sure.

Skull and Bones will be part of the Collections #1 Runway Show – Monday February 27, 2012 – 8.30pm