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When British designer Matthew Williamson left fashion seven years ago, he didn’t have a return plan in mind. After he closed his eponymous brand’s London flagship in 2015, he quietly wound down the business, moved to Mallorca and explored a passion for interior design.

“After twenty years in the industry, I’d stepped away because I wanted a change of pace,” he told Fashionista over email. “Fashion can be wonderfully exciting, but it’s also incredibly cyclical, and it felt like the right moment to explore other creative avenues.”

Now, he’s coming back to his sartorial roots: On Wednesday, Free People unveiled a collaboration with the British creative.

The exclusive capsule collection marks Williamson’s first fashion line in seven years. For him, this is less of a “return” to the industry and more of a “full circle.” He said the collaboration “arrived at exactly the right moment, and it gave me the opportunity to reconnect with the aspects of fashion I love most: color, print, storytelling and creating pieces that bring joy to people.”

Merging Free People’s boho spirit with Williamson’s expressive designs, the 17-piece lineup spans swimwear, cover-ups, dresses, pants, skirts, blouses and accessories for summer.

Creatively, Williamson felt naturally aligned with Free People and its relaxed approach to dressing. “There’s an authenticity to the brand that really appealed to me,” he said. “I’ve always designed for women who have a creative spirit and who use clothing as a form of self-expression, and I think Free People speaks to that same woman.”

Since stepping away from fashion, the designer’s inspiration and, as a result, creative output, have evolved. While he’s still drawn to glamour and escapism, his work is more earthy and relaxed today.

“I often describe it as an undone, laid-back luxury,” he shared. “Because this was my first fashion project in seven years, it was important that it felt meaningful and aligned with my values.” But what remains a core pillar of Williamson’s work is that it makes people feel good and confident.

“My creative point of view has always been optimistic,” he said. “If there’s a common thread running through three decades of my work, it’s probably that sense of joy. The collection with Free People may be a new chapter, but it’s built on exactly the same foundations.”

See (and shop!) the Free People x Matthew Williamson collection below.

Matthew Williamson x Free People Figuera Fringe Sarong, $148, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Kantuta Top, $148, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Mesquida Broderie Anglais Low-Rise Skort, $128, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Palma Printed Maxi Dress, $398, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Mesquida Broderie Anglais Button Down, $198, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Mirador Striped Bootcut Trousers, $228, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Kantuta Long Sleeve Kaftan, $498, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Sol Embellished Mini Dress, $268, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Deia Duster, $398, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Paradiso Printed Mini Dress, $268, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Retro Sunbeam Towel Short Set, $228, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Vivi Printed One-Piece Swimsuit, $168, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Jovie Crochet Bikini Top, $168, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Meli Crochet Bikini Bottoms, $148, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Scarf, $48, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Scarf, $48, available here

Matthew Williamson x Free People Copacabana Tote, $128, available here

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