Published on 19 November 2019
A North East born and bred fashion designer has been snapped up by a menswear clothing company thanks to his unique designs.
Matthew Maltas is currently in his final year studying Fashion, Design and Promotion at the University of Sunderland.
Now the 21 year old has caught the eye of Sunderland-based fashion company Port Independent who have agreed to add his T-shirts to their clothing line.
Matthew, who attended St Aidan's Catholic Academy in the city, hopes one day to work for an international clothing company like Levi’s.
He said: “It’s great to be involved with Port Independent, they are a local company so to be joining them as they grow is very exciting.
“I did a placement with them a little while ago and they agreed to do a limited run of my T-shirts through their menswear line.
"A University placement has now evolved into a collaboration between designer and the company.
"The artwork itself is based on photography taken all across Sunderland, making this a home grown collaboration."
Matthew, who will graduate next summer, says his designs are influenced by his love of music.
He added: “I guess I wanted the T-shirts to be quite band-esque. I’m a big fan of bands like Oasis, The Smiths and Arctic Monkeys.”
Matthew’s T-shirts are expected to launch at the beginning of next month and will be available through Port Independent.
As he prepares to finish his final year at the University, the student, originally from Barnes, Sunderland, says he is looking forward to further enhancing his skills.
He said: “I’m hoping to do a Masters. I feel the programme here at Sunderland has really prepared me for all different aspects of a career in fashion; from marketing and promotion to graphic design.
“Now, I feel ready to hone those skills into a specific area, which is why I would like to do a Masters.”
The former St Joseph’s RC primary School pupil, had originally started studying art at college but decided the Fashion, Design and Promotion programme at the University would offer him better career options.