Described by Dazed magazine as an ‘industry fave’, Maximilian Raynor has dressed  everyone from musicians Ellie Goulding and Rita Ora to supermodels Paloma Elsesser and Adut Akech. Just 25, he recently presented a collection in the MA Graduate show at Central Saint Martins in London. This is the show that people in the fashion world eagerly anticipate each year, hoping to spot the next Alexander McQueen or John Galliano. The buzz since February would indicate that Maximilian is making his mark.

But Maximilian is no stranger to press. His BA collection premiered with ‘Perfect’ and featured in British Vogue as well as The Pirelli Calendar, styled by Amanda Harlech, eventually walking the runway in Rwanda for a show hosted by King Charles III.

But long before that, when Maximilian was just ten, his sketches came to the attention of Vivienne Westwood who invited him to spent a week in her studio - an indelible influence on his life.

How did Maximilian and I meet?  I was recently at Central Saint Martins for an evening screening of my film Carton d’invitation. During  a tour of the studios, my wonderful host Roger Tredre took me into the inner sanctum - where racks of the MA Graduate work was on display for fashion insiders scouting talent that week. I immediately spotted the pieces I found most interesting - and though everyone else was gone that evening, I realized the designer of that collection was still there. I decided I couldn’t waste time being shy and i introduced myself.

I’m glad I did - because now you too can meet Maximilian talking about this crucial turning point in his life as a designer. 

For more on Maximilian: https://maximilianraynor.com/ and @maximilianraynor on Instagram.

Go directly to “Manor for Heaven” film: https://maximilianraynor.com/collections/

Learn about my documentary project: @cartond’invitation on Instagram

Original music for this podcast by @leonthesinger