Bridal couture designer Matthew Christopher spoke Thursday in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union about his journey from Iowa State’s fashion and textile program to creating his own label, Matthew Christopher Inc.

Christopher, an ISU alumnus, grew up far from the glamorous world of New York City fashion. Christopher was raised on his parents’ pig farm in the small town of Packwood, Iowa. Christopher said his interest in fashion began at an early age.

“Barbie and I were best friends,” he said. “I remember being fascinated with the beautiful dresses, especially a white Barbie wedding gown.”

Christopher had always been creative, but his decision to pursue a career in fashion design came when he was helping a high school girlfriend pick out her prom dress. As soon as Christopher saw the elegant dresses in the shop, he knew he had found his industry.

During high school, Christopher kept busy while running on his school’s track team, participating in school musicals and designing prom dresses for his classmates. After graduation, he attended the Art Institute of Chicago. Christopher missed his life in Iowa and transferred to Iowa State in 1996 after researching its fashion and textile program.

Christopher wasted no time in starting his career while attending Iowa State. During a New York study tour in 1998, he was offered internships at both Vera Wang and Fink Bridal companies. Christopher accepted the internship at Fink Bridal because it allowed him to gain more experience.

After graduation Christopher moved to New York City, where he worked for several bridal fashion houses such as Demetrios, One of a Kind Bride, Galina and Casablanca.

Christopher returned to Iowa in 2002 to visit family and was encouraged by his parents to create his own label. Christopher took his family’s advice and with their help, Matthew Christopher Inc. took off.

The company now has gowns in more than 70 boutiques and has styled celebrities such as Kristen Chenoweth, whom Christopher dressed for 2010 Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

Christopher told students that business knowledge and design skills are equally important in the fashion industry.

“You have to know how to sell, how to market and how to promote your product,” he said.

Christopher spoke highly of Iowa State’s current fashion and textile programs.

“You really have taken this program to another place,” he said. “I believe it has nearly doubled since I was at Iowa State.”

Christopher’s designs will be featured Saturday night at Iowa State’s 2011 Fashion Show at Stephens Auditorium. For more information about Christopher’s bridal designs visit www.matthewchristopher.com.