mattchupicchu /

Pictured: Patrick Church in his studio wearing hand-painted sweat shirt

Tell me about how you got started 

As a child I was always making things.  Initially I wanted to be a fashion designer; however when I started high school I became really interested in art, especially painting. My high school teacher took me under her wing and really helped me build my knowledge of art and art history. She introduced me to artists that still inspire me now. The rest is really a journey, spiritually, emotionally and creatively. 

Who and what are your sources of inspiration? 

My husband is my biggest inspiration. None of this would be possible without him and my love for him, which fuels my creative process every day. He makes me feel free and alive; he believes in me like no one else believes in me.

Unlike conventional fine arts, garments are your canvases, do you have a process for selecting those pieces? 

I start a collection by thinking of an emotion or feeling I want to evoke and then look for pieces that will help convey that idea the best way. My brain goes a million miles an hour and I am always having new ideas. I am always thinking of the next thing. View Post

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Color-blocked blouse by Céline and Teal Trousers by MSGM

A common complaint I hear from people (and me too) is that they wished they could care less about what others think. In a world where likability is tied to how well you can mimic others in social settings or how much skin you can show on Instagram, it’s easy to forget to do things for yourself. Only you. It may sound selfish, but I strongly believe that those who take care of themselves are less likely to project sh** onto others and are generally more helpful people, because they have the bandwidth to give. By choosing to live life based off social judgment and expectations, we develop that inner devilish voice that *always* find a way to bring ourselves down. That worst critic reflects societal do’s and don’ts we learn growing up. It doesn’t take into account what you envision, what you dream of and the unpaved paths that have no precedents. And of course to pursue that path requires courage, lots and lots of it. So whether that takes form in daily affirmation podcasts or telling yourself how great you are in the mirror, always cheer on yourself and be your own biggest fan. Celebrate all that you’ve accomplished (instead of tearing it down) and keep doing you, because the support you provide yourself will be what pushes you through the end.

-Matt Chu

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Pictured: J.W.Anderson Blue Satin Blouse, Finery London Pink Wide Leg Trousers and Patent Boots

I find it incredible that it’s only been two years since I started this blog. In this time span, I’ve met so many wonderful new people, worked with brands I’ve never imagined to work with and developed a bolder, more genderless approach to fashion. It’s been a lot of transformations to say the least. And while I have my days when I question why I’m doing this, it’s hard to imagine what else I would do other times. Despite not making much money by being ultra selective with brands and still trying to “break in” the fashion industry, the creative fulfillment I get is boundless and so, so satisfying. Never would I have imagined to express the way I do today and the confidence to do so is priceless for my personal development. So as I share my thoughts on my two year ride, I hope that sharing my passion (even just as a side-gig) prompts you to pursue what you really want to do. It’s certainly not an overnight thing, but I promise the return is worth it.

-Matt Chu

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Another season has wrapped up and there’s no better time to highlight the best runway looks. From London’s experimental designs to Paris’ authoritative creativity, here are the 6 trends that will rule 2018 in style:

I. The Conservative Sheer

from left to right: Off-white, Stella McCartney and Simon Rocha. images via Vogue Runway

This season, it’s all about layering sheer pieces. #freethenipple has had it’s time (for now) and designers are using see-through materials like tulle, organza and lace conservatively. Layer it over a bodysuit, jumpsuit, dress, or just about anything to achieve this look.

II. Age of Silver

from left to right: Paco Robanne, Erdem and MM6 Maison Margiela 

Plastic is having a moment, but not for much longer. Silver reigned the shows to shimmer past the unstable social and political scene, providing us with much-needed fun. There’s never enough silver, so start sequining your whole look from collar to boots. View Post

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tulle rose shirt by Y/Project, faux fur coat by McQ, faux leather pants by 7 of all Mankind, patent derby by Acne Studios, photography by Jordan Ji

It’s been a year since my Valentines Day note on buying yourself a flower. While many circumstances in my life has changed, I’ve never been more committed to the notion of self-love. A big part of that is learning to respect your mind and body above distractions that neither contribute to your growth nor well-being. For me, that was forgoing the traditional notions of masculinity that was limiting how I expressed myself and moving past the ego trip I got from what others were saying about me. The former has been a constant evolution since I started this blog, while the latter is ironically derived from self-love.

I’ve somewhat mistaken loving yourself as building an ego that is capable of protecting and defeating judgment, when reality it only makes you weaker. In the digital age where comparing against others is too easy, I’ve learned that narcissism is not self-love and instead means you’re taking yourself too seriously. That was when I decided that this blog and the follower count is not me, but is instead a good representation of the work I produce. Starting the Behind-the-Scenes series on my Stories (every Wednesday), where I show funny bloopers of myself, has been a shift from being too serious to being more lighthearted and fun. In that sense, I feel that self-mockery is almost a good way of loving yourself if it means acknowledging your flaws and owning up to it. So on this occasion of love, whether you’re single or not, I hope you take some time love yourself, laugh at yourself and experience what it really feels like to embrace yourself.

-Matt Chu

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