Martin Grant
Who? Australian Martin Grant, one of several designers vying to take the helm at French fashion house Celine. Grant's minimalist yet elegant designs appeal to a loyal group of fashionistas, including actresses Cate Blanchett and Lauren Hutton, and others looking for red-carpet cred.
How did it happen? Grant was born in Melbourne in 1966, and raised in the city's suburbs. His grandmother taught him how to sew, but it was Australian couturier Desbina Collins who introduced Grant to the subtle arts of classical design after he took a job with her at 15. He launched his first ready-to-wear collection in 1982 from his studio in Australia's fashion hub, Little Collins Street. His work was received with enthusiasm and he was awarded the Cointreau Young Designer Award in Sydney in 1988. Shortly afterwards, Grant moved to Britain, where he worked for the label Idol and later joined Japan's Koji Tatsuno studio, where he learned bespoke tailoring. In 1992 the designer moved to Paris and established his own atelier in Montmartre, opening a flagship boutique in the Marais district in 1996.
What do the clothes look like?
Known for tailoring and simple silhouettes, Grant's designs combine French sensuality with Australian functionality. His classic dresses have a geometrical and sculptural outline and his tops are tailored to emphasise the curves of the female form. Grant's spring/summer 2004 collection features an array of snugly cut shirtdresses inspired by his grandmother.
What does the designer say?
'[Grandmother's] thing was the shirtdress,' Grant said after his show. 'She always wore them.'
Where are the clothes available?
Martin Grant collections are available at Lane Crawford in Hong Kong, as well as Barneys New York and Neiman Marcus in the United States, Feathers in London and Belinda in Sydney.
