Obviously I’m going to ask you about Noel Gallagher, you famously married in a Las Vegas church with an Elvis Presley impersonator… what did he sing?
“He sang ‘Viva Las Vegas’ and it was a beautiful day we got married at midnight, my Mum was my Maid of Honour and my Dad gave me away and was also Best Man.”
As a teenager you once worked in a chip shop and today you are one of the best interior designers in the UK. Preview samples of your fabulous range of wallpapers including the Skull & Rock design were loved by the likes of David and Victoria Beckham and Philip Green. Where did this all come from…?
“Thanks Dan, I did a foundation course in graphics communications in Norwich and there is a capsule collection just launching on my website www.megmathews.co.uk. The collection features Skull & Rock in two colourways (pink skulls on white background and silver skulls on black – the skulls look like crushed roses from afar), plus two other designs. ‘Pineapple Passion’ and ‘Snake Rattle n’ Roll’. It’s all bespoke though, so any design can be produced in any colour. See my website for further details and any queries.
Born in Guernsey, brought up in South Africa and Norwich, moving to Brixton in a tiny squat with punks and also living in opulence in a breathtaking Georgian house in Primrose Hill in London. What do you remember about South Africa and what were the Brixton times like – crazy?
“I loved the wide open spaces of South Africa but Brixton was cool actually. I lived in several squats and was never scared or anything. I’ve always been able to get on with everyone.”
I used to live in Primrose Hill, a mad part of London… saw you all the time, who have been your big famous Primrose buddies over the years you knocked around with?
“Well I’ve never left Primrose Hill really, although I lived in Bucks for a couple of years in the late 90s as you know. I’m still proud to count my Primrose Hill (and beyond) buddies as close friends – Kate, Sadie, Stella, Naomi, Jade, Davinia. Don’t believe all the press you read. We’ve been mates through thick and thin and would do anything for each other.”
Favourite band of all time?
“It depends on my mood. Led Zeppelin, Guns n’ Roses, Oasis, Blur, The Faces and the Early Bee Gees.”
What was dining with Tony Blair and Bill Clinton at 10 Downing Street like?
“Both were amazing! I met Bill Clinton at Blenheim Palace and Noel and I were invited to No. 10 by Tony and Cherie Blair. Cherie even sweetly gave me a private tour of their flat at No. 11.”
What music were you into growing up?
“It was the London punk scene, so The Jam, The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers, UK Subs.”
Favourite fashion designers ever and what new designers should we be looking out for?
“Faves include John Galliano (he’s my daughter’s Anais’ godfather), Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney, Azzedine Alaia and of course my great mate Kate and Top Shop. I love Top Shop! As for new designers, check out Austrian Designer Carol Christian Poell. He is amazing and sold exclusively at ‘The Library’ (268 Brompton Road, SW3) making fashion headlines by floating his models down the river in Milan during a previous fashion week.”
1982… a doorway in Brixton… a policeman… what’s the story ?
“Yeah, I was leaving the Brixton Academy, couldn’t find the ladies and got caught!”
Favourite DJ you’ve rocked the dancefloor to and what has been the best club you ever went to in your clubbing days?
“Pete Tong, Paul Oakenfold, Lisa M, Queen of Noise. Best club was Sunrise/Energy in a field during the 88/89 raves.”
What has been the most fabulous party you have frequented with Donatella Versace?
“In 96 in Rome, the Versace Winter Collection party. It snowed, I stayed at the Four Seasons and got to go into Versace and choose £17,000 of clothes!”
What’s your favourite city in the world – apart from London?
“LA…. I love it! You get to do everything, the beach, the hills, great food, driving and with the weather too.”
Best album ever?
“The ‘Bee Gees’ 1st’ album.”
And what’s next from the world of Meg Mathews?
“I am working hard on my ‘LOVE MEG’ wallpaper range, as well as being in discussions with two or three other companies to produce special ranges of ‘Meg Mathews’ licensed products. Watch this space…”
www.megmathews.co.uk.
www.handmade.uk.com
