Eminently skilled at drawing and painting, it’s hardly surprising that MATTHEW GALLAGHER calls creating the initial sketch his “favourite part of the whole fashion design process.” Bringing his talents to the Cashmere Collection 2021, this born and raised Nova Scotian studied at the prestigious Instituto Europeo di Design in Milan before launching his House of Gallagher luxury women’s wear brand in 2013. Using primarily fabrics imported from Italy, Matthew, now Toronto-based, says finding modern expressions for the old Hollywood glamour clichés drives many of his creations. Hence his dream customers: Cate Blanchett and Diane Kruger. 

How did MATTHEW GALLAGHER transform Cashmere Bathroom Tissue into a shimmery jacquard-like fabric? Having built a dress-form armature for his exaggerated silhouette out of cardboard and plastic, he used a decoupage medium and a wet brush to stipple layer upon layer of Bathroom Tissue —allowing a couple of weeks drying time between each application. The finishing touch for his luxe, eye-catching creation? Sparkly crystal/rhinestone chain trim that is sure to turn heads! 

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