Meet Mathias
“I truly believe the industry will be seeing much more of our generation in the years ahead.”
- Mathias Parker
We’re excited to highlight Mathias Parker, whose thoughtfulness and curiosity have stood out throughout the Hems & Brims cohort.
Mathias has shown a strong interest in developing a distinct creative voice while gaining a deeper understanding of the fashion industry.
That growth is reflected in how Mathias describes this stage as a designer:
“I’m at a stage where I’m developing a stronger understanding of my creative perspective and finding my voice. I’m creating with more intention while also thinking about how my work exists within the fashion industry.”
For Mathias, joining Hems & Brims was an opportunity to learn about areas of fashion beyond design, connect with other creatives, and learn alongside peers with different perspectives and experiences.
The Business of Fashion and Sustainable Fashion courses have been particular standouts. With previous studies focused primarily on the creative side of fashion, learning about business strategy, brand campaigns, and sustainability has helped broaden Mathias’s understanding of how the industry operates. Sustainable Fashion has also encouraged a more intentional approach to the full life cycle of a garment, including where materials come from, who is involved in producing them, how garments reach consumers, and what happens after they are no longer worn.
“Understanding that entire supply chain has changed the way I view fashion. It has made me more conscious of the ethical decisions I want to make in my own career.”
One project Mathias is especially proud of is the Body and Earth collection. Looking back at the collection has revealed historical references and themes that were not always consciously recognized during the creative process. With time, Mathias has come to better understand those choices and the larger story within the collection, centered on Black pride, celebration, and ethereality.
Mathias hopes future work will spark curiosity while balancing thoughtful ideas with playfulness and imagination. Creative direction and storytelling across fashion, film, music, and other mediums are also areas of interest, along with developing skills in CLO 3D and strengthening knowledge of the business and financial sides of a creative career.
For Mathias, being part of the Hems & Brims community represents collaboration, shared learning, and recognizing the legacy of Black creatives who opened doors for the next generation.
“It represents the legacy of those who came before us, people who opened doors so that we can take up space, share our ideas, and have our voices heard.”
That appreciation for the creatives who came before also shapes how Mathias views what comes next for this generation:
“I truly believe the industry will be seeing much more of our generation in the years ahead.”
We share Mathias’s belief in the impact this generation of Black creatives will have on the industry and look forward to seeing Mathias continue to grow as a creative and build a lasting career in fashion.
