Briana Wilson Is the Designer Behind Bella Hadid’s Underboob Sweatshirt
LA-based brand Matte sells the kind of basics you actually want in your wardrobe — and the kind of basics Bella Hadid sports when she wants to show off a bit of underboob.
But what about the women behind the collection? With over 190,000 followers on Instagram, Briana Wilson, the founder and designer, created her company all by herself, with no plans of slowing down.
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If you love fashion, photography, and boss bitches, check out our Q&A with Briana.
How did you fall in love with fashion?
I’ve always cared a lot about how I look, as most girls do, but I didn’t really start to “get it” until I got older. Living in New York was very inspirational to my fashion sense because I got to constantly see so many different styles. Still I don’t think I fell in love until I started creating my own pieces, I don’t know which I love more now – fashion or creating.
Why did you start Matte Brand?
I started Matte as a boutique mainly because I wanted to make money, which I think is the reason for a lot of people these days. However, it didn’t take long for me to become really passionate about it. If I hadn’t, I surely would’ve quit a long time ago. I keep it going for many reasons, mainly because I think the journey is inspirational to some, and the brand brings a new perspective.
When you decided to start your company, what was your biggest fear and how did you overcome it?
I was a fearless girl long before I started Matte. I believe in confidence, and when I moved to NY from Texas, I knew it was time to stop being scared. There wasn’t anything you could tell me I couldn’t do (still can’t).
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What is your overall vision of your company?
Matte is ultimately a reflection of me. It’s all of my favorite silhouettes, colors, poses, models, looks. I’ve been wearing bodysuits for years. It’s so cool that so many women all over the world also like what I like. That’s the beauty of the internet, I don’t have to create a company and cater to anyone. I sell to the world, so someone somewhere will like it.
Your brand caters to slim women, why did you decide to make your brand this way and would you ever expand to plus sizes?
I honestly believe that’s a myth. Matte is for anyone comfortable enough to wear it. I’ve seen pregnant women sport it beautifully, so it’s really for all sizes. I do know that most of my customers are my size (slim/petite) and I think that’s cool too because it is hard to find things that hug skinny curves properly.
What tips do you have for young women looking to join the fashion industry?
I wedged my way into the fashion industry. I wasn’t invited or accepted, so I think that’s the message. Do your own thing and create your own platforms.
Looking back, what’s something you would have done differently when you first started your company?
I wouldn’t change anything. A lot has gone wrong, but every incident was a stepping stone and pushed me forward.
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What’s something about you that many people don’t know?
I think a lot of people think I run my business with a huge team. Up until this point, I’ve done everything by myself. I design the clothes, cast the models, creative direct & style the shoots, edit the photos, organize the Instagram, manage the back end of the website, answer the emails and ship the clothes.
Your branding and marketing sets your brand out from the rest, what are some tips for branding & marketing a business?
Be creative and consistent.
What’s the best part about being a CEO?
Ultimately doing whatever you want everyday. And making more money than a 9-5. I have real goals now for myself and my family that I would have never even dreamed of before Matte.
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Where do you find inspiration to keep your company fresh?
Maybe it’s because I’m still young, but I have so many ideas. For me it’s more about finding ways to execute them.
Where is your favorite place to go when you need a vacation or break from everyone?
Break? Ha. I dream of breaks. I hope to travel a lot more in 2017 as well as allowing more time for me.
How did you develop your own style?
I think my style fully developed with the creation of Matte, I guess it just took me having total control.
Why do you think so many people love your company?
I think it looks cool online and you know kids these days love things that look cool online, but also when they receive their pieces they feel really good wearing them. I feel so good seeing all of the different cuties that post in Matte and I’ve gotten messages from girls telling me it’s really boosted their confidence!
