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Leeds School of Arts

Professor Matty Bovan transforms Leeds School of Arts with vibrant live painting and public Q&A

22 May 2023

Professor Matty Bovan welcomed the public to his unique inaugural performance ‘SQUISH: TRASH: COSMETIC’ on Friday 19 May, which marked his appointment as Professor of Fashion at Leeds Beckett University’s Leeds School of Arts.

Professor Matty Bovan from Leeds Beckett University painting during his inaugural performance at Leeds School of Arts. — Professor Matty Bovan during his inaugural performance

‘SQUISH: TRASH: COSMETIC’ presented a deconstructed idea of a lecture that surprised over 100 people from Leeds and beyond in the process.

Professor Matty Bovan transformed himself and the space at Leeds School of Arts while the public asked him questions about his life, inspirations, and working with students at Leeds Beckett University.

SQUISH: TRASH: COSMETIC is part of the Leeds School of Arts dedicated fashion season, which will culminate in a graduate runway show on Thursday 1 June in the new Leeds School of Arts theatre. The show will present the Fashion class of 2023’s final collections.

Professor Matty Bovan said: ‘’This event is an ode to colour, and my colour theory comes from my childhood toys in the 90s. Neon pink is my favourite and comes from my love of Barbie.’’

Talking about working with students at Leeds Beckett, Matty commented:

‘’It’s a privilege to talk to young people about their ideas and I learn so much from them. It’s all about showcasing that Leeds has all this talent and that we we’re putting a dynamic fashion course in the city. People are energised and excited about young people’s work in fashion.’’

Born and based in York, Professor Matty Bovan is known in the world of fashion for his elevation of craft in Britain and his commitment to sustainability and upcycling. He is dedicated to a sustainable ethos employing a small network of British manufacturers and local craftspeople in York.

He has worked with various brands, including British Airways, Coach NY, Gina, Miu Miu, Stephen Jones Millinery, Liberty London, and Barbie, and his work is worn by a loyal fan base, including Adwoa Aboah, Naomi Campbell, Björk, Rita Ora, Shirley Manson, Georgia May Jagger, Winnie Harlow, and Tilda Swinton.

In February 2023, he showcased his Autumn/Winter 2023 Collection with a presentation at London Fashion Week. In September 2022, he presented his Spring/Summer 2022 Collection with a show at Milan Fashion Week which was supported by Dolce&Gabbana.

He was awarded the prestigious International Woolmark Prize and the Karl Lagerfeld Award for Innovation in 2021, becoming only the second designer to win both awards in the same year.

Professor Matty Bovan joined Leeds Beckett University’s Leeds School of Arts in 2018 and continues to make a huge contribution to the rich cultural scene in Leeds and the wider region.

This event is part of Leeds Beckett University's Inaugural Professorial Lecture Series and is running during LEEDS 2023's Season Two: Playing showcase.