Drawing on references from her teenage years spent raving it up in the early 90s – as well as S&M subcultures – designer Rose is an unsung hero of Britain’s menswear scene. Always a nonconformist, she chose to keep things simple for SS15 with a single-model presentation, but Rihanna wearing a rave flyer-adorned coat from her AW14 collection (“for a full week!”) in October is the kind of exposure that means she won’t be able to stay off-grid for long. She’s keeping tight-lipped about the future for now, but watch out for an “exciting” upcoming collaboration in January.
How would you sum up what you do in a sentence?
Martine Rose: Indulge my imagination, and work with the most inspiring people.
What’s your favourite song and movie of 2014?
Martine Rose: Favourite movie is Elaine Constantine’s Northern Soul, and Burning Spear’s “Jah is My Driver” has been my go-to song this year – if all else fails I put that on and I’m level.
How do you think style and pop culture will change in 2015?
Martine Rose: For pop culture to develop and change, it needs to start reflecting what is really happening and stop focusing on twerking. (I mean really – who is interested?)
Sum up what we can expect from you in 2015.
Martine Rose: I think becoming a mum is a biggie – beyond that, some really exciting collaborations!
What’s the most exciting thing about the music, film and fashion industries today?
Martine Rose: I actually think that all three are at a crucial point where they have been trotting out the same format for a while now, and the time has come for a change. I think the best is yet to come.
What new skill did you learn this year?
Martine Rose: Perspective.
What’s the most surprising thing we’d find out if we looked at your phone?
Martine Rose: That I don’t have any social media on it.
Who should have been at number one on the Dazed 100?
Martine Rose: Well, not Tony flippin’ Blair, that’s for sure!
Twitter: @Martine_Rose | Instagram: @Martine_Rose
Upvote your favourites to decide the Readers' 100