Sydney Sweeney and Jenna Ortega Wear Elias Matso's Twisted Corsets on Red Carpet

Elias Matso's work as a twisted corsetier has been making waves in the fashion world, with high-profile clients like Sydney Sweeney and Jenna Ortega turning heads on the red carpet.

Growing up, Matso was captivated by the art of costume design after watching Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria - her elaborate outfits left an indelible mark on his young mind.

Matso's fascination with extravagant costumes has clearly influenced his own approach to fashion, evident in his avant-garde and couture corsetry creations. His style is inspired by iconic designers like Charles James, Bob Mackie, Mugler, and Mr. Pearl.

A recent graduate of Polimoda in Florence, Matso's designs often feature intricate details and dramatic flair - much like the Art Deco gowns and decadent headpieces that initially sparked his interest in costume design.

Designers often look back on their childhood experiences for inspiration, but for Elias Matso, his early years were marked by a desire to create and manipulate the world around him through paper dolls.

As he fashioned clothes for his paper self, Matso was developing an essential skill - the ability to imagine and bring ideas to life. This talent would serve him well in his future endeavors as a designer.

Matso's third year of design school was pivotal, as it allowed him to explore themes that resonated deeply with his own experiences. He wanted to capture the tension that children often feel when growing rapidly and struggling to keep up with their changing bodies.

This sense of disconnection is particularly pronounced in the queer community, where individuals may face conflicting expectations around gender identity. Matso's designs reflect this internal conflict, as seen in his literal interpretations of twisted silhouettes.

The designer's frustration during his senior year was a far cry from the success he would later achieve. After failing to secure jobs in New York, Matso considered taking up an unconventional career path - scooping ice cream at Van Leeuwen's.

The art of creating a perfect fit is a delicate balance between aesthetics and anatomy. In the world of corsetry, every body is unique, responding differently to fabric and structure. This is why fittings are crucial, allowing for adjustments that cater to individual proportions.

When things don't go as planned, and garments fail to translate from runway to real life, it's often due to a lack of personal connection during the fitting process. Matso emphasizes the importance of meeting clients in person, which she believes leads to better outcomes. This approach allows her to understand their needs and preferences, tailoring her designs accordingly.

The conversation between designer, client, and garment is complex, influenced by both personality and physiology. As Matso notes, people's bodies respond differently to fabric and structure, requiring a nuanced understanding of each individual's unique characteristics. By checking in with clients before, during, and after fittings, she ensures that her designs meet their needs.

To spark inspiration for new collections, Matso often delves into the archives of museums like the Whitney or Guggenheim. This process involves surrendering control to the unknown, as one never knows what treasures will be uncovered. For this particular project, a single painting led her to Mark Ranger's website, setting off a chain reaction that would shape the collection.

The question remains: where do designers begin when starting a new project? Matso's approach is one of discovery and exploration, rather than deliberate planning or control. By embracing the unknown and allowing herself to be guided by unexpected sources, she creates designs that are both beautiful and functional.

Collaboration was key in creating a unique and functional design. The process involved exploring similar themes and techniques to create something entirely new. This approach led to the development of a corset made from steel boning, an unexpected yet effective material.

The use of steel boning in corsets is not new, but rather it's a common feature found inside many traditional corsets. Matso had already accumulated a stockpile of this material and decided to repurpose it by cutting it into smaller pieces to create a unique design.

In addition to innovative materials, the corset also incorporates crystals from Preciosa, a company that supplies crystals to high-end brands. This collaboration was facilitated through a trip taken by Preciosa's team to Matso's school. The relationship with Preciosa allowed for the incorporation of these beautiful and delicate elements into the design.

The focus on craftsmanship in fashion has been waning in recent years. Many designers now prioritize speed and efficiency over traditional techniques, which can result in lower-quality products. This shift is frustrating for artisans who have dedicated their time and skills to creating exceptional pieces.

Despite the emphasis on mass production, there are still those who value handmade items and appreciate the effort that goes into crafting each piece. For Matso, this appreciation is not just about aesthetics but also about the longevity of a product. A well-made item will stand the test of time, whereas its cheaper counterparts may falter.

The undervaluing of skilled artisans in fashion is a pressing issue for many emerging designers. With technology and social media making it easy to fake or manipulate images and information, authenticity becomes increasingly important. The value of handmade items lies not just in their appearance but also in the quality and craftsmanship that goes into creating them.

The relentless pace of modern manufacturing can be overwhelming, forcing many to sacrifice quality and craftsmanship in favor of speed.

Craftsmanship is a rare commodity these days, and it shows in the attention to detail that goes into creating each piece.

As Elias Matso's brand continues to grow, he faces the daunting task of balancing his artistic vision with the financial realities of running a business.

Every day brings a new request for free or low-cost work, leaving Matso wondering if he can maintain his standards in the face of mounting pressure.

It's not just clients who are asking for favors, often it's intermediaries or agents who seem to have no qualms about making unreasonable demands on emerging designers like Matso.

As a stylist, Elias Matso values the importance of building one-on-one relationships and engaging in meaningful conversations with his clients before dressing them.

These personal connections allow him to tailor his approach to each individual's unique needs and preferences, resulting in more effective styling outcomes.

Matso is currently working on a new project with actress Laverne Cox, an opportunity he has long been eager to pursue due to her appreciation for the intricacies of the creative process.

Laverne Cox herself has expressed admiration for Matso's attention to detail and dedication to bringing his vision to life, qualities that she believes make him an exceptional stylist.