fashion design for the unapologetic
The evolution tank spotted several times on instagram. They sold out, but they are now back in stock in all sizes and colors in the etsy shop.
Couldn’t wait til the weekend to rock my new #mattingsworth by @matofonet tank
Already working their way out
Sippin’ in Seersucker is this Friday. It’s a fabric theme, so you know I am into, and it benefits the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Purchase tickets here.
Manksters and other proper sleeveless-shirt-wearing fools: it’s your season, so get those arms ready. You know you do have the right to bare arms; it is America. If you are in fact going to take us to the gun show, I recommend trying this local trend I’ve seen begin to grow, wearing glass mardi gras beads avec said tanks. They are simple, free in most cases, colorful, and have loads of character. If you didn’t stock up/save any during mardi gras, ask a friend or visit a vintage shop. Here’s three suggestions on how to wear them.
1. Layering like necklaces creates a statement, and find some with a little something extra on them. Those glass leaves are subtle but awesome. When layering, I would say 3 is the perfect number. Necklaces are from the Krewe of Orpheus, and the solid tank is by me.2. Monochrome doesn’t always mean subtle. You can get a big punch with the use of texture. Necklaces are from the Krewe of Orpheus, and the paneled tank is by me.3. For a more subtle approach, fold two similar necklaces into one another to create one solid, two-toned piece. Necklaces were compliments of Brent Meche’s collection, and the tank is by me.Bon chance,mattingsworth
Got some folks from coast to coast representing some awesome street style
I adore these pink chinos, but I always get a little intimidated to wear such a color. I mean I don’t want to be “that guy”. However, it was Easter weekend, and it definitely was the weekend to wear them. For me to stomach myself in this color, I tried to pair them with a subtle button down and classic wingtips. It ended up being a nice combo for some Easter weekend day drinking (the best kind of drinking). A blue moon, shooting the shit, and avoiding pepto references made my Saturday.
Out,
Spring arrives this week officially. In preparation, I went through my instagram and pulled my five must-have items for this upcoming season.
Clockwise starting top right:
- oversized retro shades (from a truckstop in the middle of nowhere)
- light-weight denim shirt from h&m
- derby from walk-over
- bold colorful socks from uniqlo
- regionalized-message tank from defend new orleans
-mat
If you’re watching tonight, drop me a line on twitter @matofonet and use the hashtag #designermatthew, so i can keep up. I know shameless self-promotion, don’t give me too much grief. :)
Lessons from the 337
This weekend, I had the exreme pleasure of traveling to Lafayette, Louisiana for this year’s Krewe of Apollo Mardi Gras Ball. Some of my besties are members, so I went to show support and love. Since this was my first Mardi Gras ball, I had no idea what to expect. I had been given the skinny by several friends that it’s pretty insane, so of course I couldn’t wait. I had an amazing time. Though in all of the fun, the 337 experience did teach me a few things:
Lesson one: Most of these type of events have multiple bars. Usually, the one closest the entrance is going to be packed, so look around the space for another one. We all know that your anxious ass can’t handle waiting in line; so instead of white knuckling minutes of your life away, hit up the other option. If the other one is busy as well, your cheap ass should have ordered bottle service. However, make sure to order two drinks at a time. That way you cut down on your trips to the bar and you get shit-faced faster.
Lesson two: In gay/republican events, confetti is probably going to rain down on you. Remember to look out not up. As much as we think that an eye-patch might make us look cool and butch like a pirate, cornea damage is painful and can be averted. Also, put your hand over your drink, so you can avoid the added bonus of swallowing small bits of sparkle. However, shitting out ingested mylar bits could be cool.
Lesson three: Gays in Laffy are insane costumers. These queens either get really bored in the swamp or they have such an extreme passion for this craft. I think and hope it’s the latter. It felt like Jefferson variety threw up on them in such a good way. These pieces had to have scaled 10-12 feet if not more. Also, my friend said, “it’s better to stone than glitter”. Lame’, sequins, and stones…oh my!
Lesson four: I learned that I can cajun dance fairly well. This I cannot describe. The only advice I can give is to let someone from there lead and just do a drunken march to the beat as they spin you. It’s all about a simple two-step and some dramatic flair. Also, alcohol helps a lot. In fact, I don’t think it’s true cajun dancing unless you are a little polluted.
Lesson five: When someone with four-inch eyelashes invites you to an after party in Laffy: go! (btw, since bars never close in nola, we can’t have after parties. we just have brunch) People were sweet, engaging, and def entertaining. They fed me gumbo which I eat all the time, but this time it came with whole hardboiled eggs in it. Insane, I know. However, it was amazing.
All in all, I had a great experience in the 337, and I look forward to going back. Eatery to check out is French Press, and the mens clothing store next door is an amazing gem. Check ‘em out if you’re ever there. (I’m so proud of myself for not spending time ripping on some of the dresses I saw that night, because I was a little underdressed myself.)
Dangitsdavie and I preball.
Brentles as the waterfall…I def wanted to sing some TLC. Liberace goes scuba diving.
Mitchy doing his birds of parrot ice or paradise or something. gorgeous headpiece btw.
Me trying to steal the throne…didn’t last long, got in trouble.
This is the awesome men’s store.
Best,
m
Steven Forster was so nice to come grab some shots during his hectic schedule. Thank you, SF.
My season of Project Runway premiers tonight. Come hang out and make fun of me at Bellocq in the hotel modern. Casting starts at 7 and first episode is at 8. It’s okay to be cheesy or at least that’s what I keep telling myself. :)
Dear friends, family, and bitter bitches:
As barricades collect on the neutral ground, scaffolding rises on St. Charles, and king cakes populate every bakery: we know it’s carnival time. As locals begin to rope/fence off their yards, gird their loins, and pretend not to get the thousands of texts asking for accommodations from outsiders: we can’t deny it’s carnival time. As bars stockpile cases of alcohol, the NOPD adds extra units, and pharmacies order extra plan B: we really know it’s carnival time. It’s a time for our city to host the largest party in the nation. From floats and marching bands to bartering for beads and drunken shenanigans: this is a time to tape your ears back and set your hair on fire. While the holiday can prove to be an amazing time, it can also be a bitch to deal with…a bitter, evil bitch (I would use an example, but they all live in Texas). Allow me to go over 5 common false assumptions of doing Mardi Gras.
1. I think it’s totally okay and supported to show my penis or breasts to score some sweet, shiny beads. False. Before you do, hit pause and take a look at who is looking at you. Yes, there’s a sort of hot fratty dude cheering you on. Look past him and past his short sidekick friend who he calls his wingman (he’s the gay one). Do you see that creeper collective of old dirty mean with video cameras? Your milk factory just got posted to some weird voyeur site.
2. I think it’s totally okay to completely disregard the marching band moms and their boundary warnings. False. Those bitches will push you, hit you, shank you. If they don’t get to you first, I hope you like a baton to the nose. Consider that rhinoplasty a present from that bitch with the sequin shorts and tassels on her boots.
3. I think it’s totally okay to get completely shit faced and get on someone’s shoulders to get more advantage on collecting beads/shoes/coconuts. False. Have you ever even been able to walk that drunk? I doubt you can even say your name at that point. Newton learned that gravity was inevitable, but you are going to try and defy that. Apparently, vodka enables you to levitate or have some keen sense of balance. You will either cannonball or face plant into asphalt.
4. I think it’s totally okay to stand along a parade route and focus on anything else but the parade itself. False. I hope you enjoy that conversation about how funny Sarah (your slut friend) is, because you are about to have a large hard-plastic set of beads wrap around your face full force. I hope you packed concealer or large sunshades, because you are now giving us the face of domestic violence.
5. I think it’s totally okay to rely on public transportation or cabs to get around the city. False. Oh, United Cab actually answered your call, and they’ll be there in 20 minutes? Good luck with that. And, honey, waiting on the street car are we? Btw, it’s not coming. Take off your fuck-me pumps, put on some sneakers, and get to walking. It’s the only way to get around in this city unless that magical vodka of yours makes you fly or you have a daring friend looking to land another DUI.
There are definitely more common misconceptions or false assumptions, but I’ll let you figure those out on your own. When in doubt: avoid public nudity, respect boundaries, keep your feet on the ground, focus on shit flying at your head, and walk that fat ass off.
Best,
m