She Hearts Charlie by Matthew Zink

Rihanna has expressed a lot of love for designer Charlie and his brand Charlie by Matthew Zink, just look at her instagram page and a few vacation candid shots and you’ll see why. We were fortunate enough to get in touch him to get to know more about himself and his work…

Where do you originate from and How did your brand start?
I grew up in Ohio, but have been a New Yorker for 10 years. After being the Swimwear Design Director for Victoria’s Secret for 5 years, I started Charlie by Matthew Zink. Charlie is a luxury lifestyle brand that celebrates the icon style and joyful sensuality of the late 1980’s and early 1970’s.

What is the inspiration behind your designs?

Each season I pay tribute to a few of my most treasure muses and mentors that have helped shape my own aesthetic and vision. I always try to make sure each piece I design makes a man and a woman feel their best. I have a very classic, simple, and sexy to approach to my work. I want you to get the compliment, not your clothes… For Summer 2013, I was inspired by Hawaii, Irving Penn’s FLOWERS, Paulina Porizkova’s years with Sports Illustrated and Rico Pulmann’s swim shoots for 1980’s GQ Magazine.

Rihanna has worn your designs numerous of times especially on vacations, how does it feel to have someone like her admire your work?

Rihanna is a very special force. She is a modern icon. Her talent, sensuality, and sincerity are so impossibly inspiring to me. The world is lucky to have her, and I can not begin to tell you how flattered and appreciative I am of her continued support. It is every designer’s dream to have a muse become an admirer of your work.

Where do you see your brand in the next 10 years?

I hope each year we can expand Charlie’s offering. Branching out into a full range of categories. This year we launched Charlie Shoes that celebrate the same feminine and timeless vision that we are already known for in our swimwear. In the future we hope to have sunglasses, leather goods, jewelry, denim, and much more.

Do you have any advice for inspiring designers out there who want to break into the fashion world?

My advise would be, don’t start to early… There is so much competition out there and so much talent. Find a mentor, stay humble, stay passionate. Every young designer needs to study and learn about his craft and his industry’s history. You need to know who came before you, get inspired! You need to be very prepared when the world knocks on your door and asks for your voice because if your answer isn’t compelling, they won’t ask you again…