Q&A with Martyn Bal

The sharp among you will have caught Martyn Bal’s AW09 collection hitting websites last week. We managed to catch up with the designer and ask him about the collection’s inspiration, his favourite pieces and where the label’s heading.

Check after the jump for the Q&A along with pictures of the collection.

What was the inspiration behind this collection?

The collection is based on constructivism, working around shape, volume and proportion. I felt menswear needed something more rounded and voluminous, and move away from a more restrain slim silhouette. All the pieces are constructed with rounded and softer shoulder lines. It’s about showing the cut, proportions and materials in a pure way.

How do you feel the label’s grown since the last collection?

To reach a fine equilibrium in a signature style you need to ask yourself continuously, what is it that we want to be recognized for and how can we do something that feels different and is not done yet in the same way before. I feel we have reached this equilibrium, aiming to portray an image that is masculine and confident, and designing clothes that hold up a mirror to an inner strength.
The core of this strength is versatility, born of a multifaceted nature in which apparent contradictions compliment each other effortlessly.

What’s your favorite piece in the collection?

There are a few, but if I have to judge it from a modern perspective, I am really pleased with the single breasted long overcoat with rounded raglan sleeves (the picture above). I believe it embodies all the elements that I just mentioned before,

Any plans for expansion in the future?

We used the two previous collections to build up sustainable relationships with our factories and suppliers in Italy, set up our corporate structure and built up an image portfolio to receive genuine feedback from some of the most influential people in the industry that support this project.
It takes time to develop the foundations for a new brand, it takes time before the factories understand your esthetic and it takes time to develop a creative signature. Our strategy is slow growth and taking the right stepd at the right time.

Where will the collection be available?

At the moment the collection is only available in Europe, but we are working hard to distribute MARTYN BAL globally.