Subjects
Courses
Colleges and Institutes
- English
- Arabic
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Chinese (Traditional)
- French
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Thai

Dr Matteo Augello

Profession

Lecturer in Cultural Studies

College

London College of Fashion

Person Type

Alumni

Biography

Dr Matteo Augello graduated from London College of Fashion's, MA Fashion Curation in 2012 and completed his research degree in 2015. He is now a lecturer in Cultural Studies.

Interview

What have you been working on since finishing your course?

I have been working on exhibitions in the UK and Italy as well as on independent research projects on the history of fashion, textiles and costumes.

Did you always know you wanted to pursue a career in fashion?

I always knew I was interested in the historical and cultural sides of fashion. Before starting the MA in Fashion Curation I thought that working in an institution was the only route to do that but I gladly discovered that there are many different ways, for examples exhibitions, publications, talks, performances and videos.

For you, what's the best thing about your job/profession?

Research. My job gives me the chance to slow down and think, to take the time to build sound ideas. Working in the arts and heritage sector can be challenging and establishing yourself requires a lot of energy, skills and resilience, but it eventually pays off. I have crafted my own field of expertise and my professional profile – it’s not about loving your job, it’s about doing what you love for a living.

Any exciting upcoming projects you can tell us about?

I’m working on an exhibition on eighteenth-century dress in Milan (opening late 2020) and on the photographic archive of the Maison Worth held at the V&A. The most exciting project is a performance on the history of women in flamenco, which I am creating with a bailaora – I’m not only visiting archives but also taking flamenco classes, it’s an all-round research process.

What are your plans for the next few years? Where would you like to see yourself professionally?

There will be more performances, that’s for sure!

About your time at LCF

Why did you choose to study at LCF? What attracted you about this university?

Back in 2011, LCF was the only university offering a master’s degree in fashion curation and I really wanted to study with Professor Amy de la Haye and Professor Judith Clark.

Why did you decide to study MA Fashion Curation?

When I decided to do a research degree, I discussed it with members of the Centre for Fashion Curation, who had taught me during my MA course. I knew I wanted to be supervised by them and they have been extremely supportive. It was the best choice.

What did you enjoy the most about your course?

I enjoy the many chances for interaction not just within LCF but also across all UAL universities. I loved being exposed to things I would have never discovered otherwise. The level of research and innovation is so high that you are pushed 24/7.

Best piece of advice you received from a lecturer/tutor during your time at LCF?

‘Go for it!’ by Dr Jeffrey Horsley, who is now leading the MA Fashion Curation. He always encourages to experiment and I would have not developed my practice in its current performative direction had I been too cautious and stayed within conventions.

What advice would you give to potential students who would like to enrol at this course?

Make the most of your time in London. Check all the events organised by LCF and UAL, talk to fellow students, join projects that you find interesting and go to talks on topics that you know nothing about. Discover archives, film festivals, arts weekenders. The beauty of this field is that you don’t need to follow a single path, but you need to know what’s out there (and what isn’t there yet) to imagine your path.

Links

MA Fashion Curation

Centre for Fashion Curation