Inspiring Business by Sharing Success

Stateside Success Stems New Pathway For Midlands Designer

Stateside Success Stems New Pathway For Midlands Designer

An Ilkeston-based designer is celebrating achieving his 'America Dream' after his latest collection took centre-stage at LA Fashion Week, with the trip sparking a new pathway for his career.


Michael Wallace with designers Anne Edwards (left) and Susan Nininger (right)

Michael Wallace, 26, turned heads at one of the most prestigious fashion events of the year, attracting interest from famous costume designers such as Susan Nininger and Anne Edwards, whose designs have featured in films including The Bodyguard, American Horror Story and Chucky.

"Susan has inspired me from a very young age and has been a huge influence in my life. On a whim I invited her to the show and to go for dinner as she is LA based and I was delighted when she accepted my invitation and attended the show. It was very surreal to be sat with a real inspiration, having a drink in one of the most prestigious hotels in Beverly Hills"

After spending a week in the big city talking to famous designers for TV and film, Michael has been inspired to pursue a shift in career. Originally specialising in couture wedding and evening gowns and expanding to create a men’s and children's collection, the young designer now aspires to extend his work into the costume design industry.

Michael said:

“I originally met Anne Edwards last year.  I was buying tickets for a tour around LA from a bloke from Birmingham of all places! He practically dragged me down the street to meet his friend Anne, and the rest is history! Spending so much time with Susan and Anne, who are remarkable costume designers and women who are well known in the industry, has really been an eye opener for me.

“I still want to continue selling the lines I’ve already established, but costume design would be a really fun and creative avenue for me to explore as it’s quite glamorous dealing with film and TV because of the celebrities and events.


“Coming to LA and making friends in the industry has definitely inspired me. I have more ideas surrounding the route I want my career to go down and I’m really excited for the future of The House of Michael Wallace.”

                                                           Michael Wallace with the models at the show

The only British designer on the catwalk, Michael made a glowing impression and frequently dined with Susan and Anne throughout his stay. They also discussed him joining The Costume Union - an exclusive guild for designers who often go on to be selected to do costumes for Hollywood blockbusters.

During his trip Michael visited the fashion district in downtown LA and The New Mart – a venue in LA with showrooms carrying close to 1,000 collections. 

Michael said:

"The fabrics, clothing and vibrant atmosphere surrounding these fashion landmarks were a real learning curve for me.

"There were so many designers there and it made me think about my own stock and where I want to take my own designs and career."

The fashion event was held at the Beverly Hills Hilton, infamous for being where Whitney Huston died. He also stayed a night in the Hotel Cortez, where Season five of American Horror Story was filmed, and dined at PUMP Restaurant at a meet and greet dinner for models and designers which was hosted by Lisa Vanderpump.

The House of Michael Wallace owner also impressed celebrities from all over the globe whilst in the states, with famous Brazillian actress, model and TV personality Jennifer Pamplona requesting to wear one of his dresses to an upcoming red carpet premier.

Now back in the UK plans to continue designing at his Ilkeston-based studio in Maltby’s Creative Mill whilst using his contacts and industry experience to stem a new pathway in his career.


< Back