Marfa Muse

MATILDA GOAD

To time with International Women’s Day, we are delighted to introduce our latest Marfa Muse, Designer & Creative Consultant Matilda Goad.

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With a background in fashion, Matilda never set out to start a homeware brand but when her coveted scalloped raffia lampshades organically became an Instagram sensation, the rest was history!

Matilda wears the Signature Reversible Quilt & the Buildable Shearling Liner at home in London.

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND?

I grew up in the English countryside the youngest of a big family so was always slightly left to my own devices and learnt to be imaginative. From as young as I can remember I was forever making things.

WHAT LED YOU TO WORKING IN FASHION?

After a brief stint at art college, I started working aged 18. I jumped around various publications as fashion assistant and later editor but when an opening to be assistant to Venetia Scott appeared, someone whom I had admired for many years, I jumped at the opportunity. My three years working with her across every aspect were the best training. They opened my eyes to looking at things in a different way.

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TALK US THROUGH YOUR JOURNEY SO FAR DESIGNING HOMEWARE

I never set out to create a homeware brand, it all happened very organically. It started with my scalloped raffia lampshades that I sold to friends, and when their friends came knocking, I knew there may be a market. Very slowly, I have added new products to the line, each one designed by me collaborating with talented craftsmen utilising their particular skills. Each product that goes on the site I want to have a point of difference, and to have a use if not many uses!

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

When I look over orders and it makes me very proud to see how far and wide our designs are reaching, of course the internet is to thank in many ways but the humble design of the lampshade from my kitchen desk has travelled far wider than me!

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WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS WHO ARE THINKING ABOUT GETTING INTO SIMILAR ROLES?

Go with your gut, prove people wrong, ask questions, don't accept no as answer...

HOW DO YOU STYLE YOUR MARFA STANCE PIECE?

Coats and shoes are my armour - you can feel rough and tired and have a scruffy outfit but chuck on a coat as you leave the house and it instantly makes you look more pulled together. I love this coat as it is wearable year round by adding and removing the furry gilet liner and has deep pockets that mean you can leave your bag behind!

Photographer: Zac Frackelton

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M U S E

MUSE celebrates creativity, individuality, and a like minded vision for responsible design and entrepreneurship.

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