This week, B has decided to start a new, regular feature all about the people inspiring the people!
What better place to start than at our own front door? Creative
Director, co-owner and designer of B Store, Mr Matthew Murphy tells us
why he’s loopy for Woody…
B. So Mr. Murphy, keep us waiting no longer, we must know. Who is your style icon?
MM. Mr. Woody Allen.
B. Woody Allen is a multi faceted artist and a man of many talents, but let’s be honest, he’s not so known for his style, what is it that you found so inspirational in him when designing the SS12 collection?
MM. His ‘non style’ was something that was particular reference point when designing the collection. He always stated in interviews that his appearance and style was not something he felt important but I believe this is what created his style. He wore a mix of american ivy league, mixed with a little geography teacher, plaid shirts with wide cotton military pants and a pair of derby shoes or keds sneaker. Also, we took some literal references from his character in Manhattan, rugby style sports shirt worn with wide leg twill pants (look no’17 from look book) made more contemporary with the fit and worn with a sandal.
B. Woody Allens work can be broken into several definable periods, is there any one that held particular significance when designing the collection?
MM. our style reference was taken from when woody allen was at the peak of his film making career in the late 70′s, the period and
atmosphere of film’s such as ANNIE HALL, MANHATTAN and INTERIOR’S
B. Woody Allen is famously head over heels for New York. Do you feel a similar affinity for a certain city?
MM. Of course my home is London but lifestyle and aesthetic I have to say Paris, I am a complete francophile, serge, leftbank in the 50′s, Francois Hardy, architecture and style of Le Corbusier and the nouvelle vague film movement, have been referential material in previous collections. The city itself continues to inspire with it’s beauty.
B. Where would be your 5 must see/do places/things in this place?
MM. the 18th arrondissement particularly Monmatre.
Dinner at Nanashi rue de Paradis in the 10th. Japanese French fusion food in a canteen style restaurant designed by confetti system.
Negroni cocktails at Candleria, a backroom late night bar behind a taco cafe.
Summers evening, alongside the Seine at Pont Neuf, with a blanket, bottle of Cote du Rhone, cheese and bread.
Bastille food market on a sunday, with a cheeky glass of vin rouge and a croissant for breakfast at the Le Baron Rouge.
B. Woody Allen is known for a trademark semi-autobiographical style in his film making, often going as far as to play the role himself. If someone was making a film about your life, who would you want to play you, and why?
MM. Unfortunately all the actor’s that I believe would be capable of accomplishing my complex character well, are dead. But if I could bring them back to life it would be DIRK BOGARDE or ALAIN DELON
