Mathilda’s conviction is exactly the same we promote on our channels: to be oneself and reflect one’s soul in one’s external image, be it through a bodysuit or any tattoo, or in one’s appearance, without being influenced too much by others.
So does Mathilda fashion blogger who, on her channels, shows how the tattoo marries this conviction and her will to get involved through her, showing herself exactly as she is: with the curves and the confidence of a woman over 40s. She currently lives just outside Bath in Somerset (UK), she is a mather to five and a fashion blogger (Instagram: @mathildawears).
Hello Mathilda! First of all, who is Mathilda? We are curious to know you, in your Instagram bio you present yourself in an interesting way, would you like to tell our readers how?
My bio hopefully represents who I am using the few words you get to promote your values. I have a mouth like a sailor (very sweary) and am now three years into the menopause so have developed a little pot belly but the beauty of getting older has made me absolutely not give a f**k. I worked as a graphic designer for twenty years but have always had a huge interest in fashion and decided to start a down to earth, body positive, fashion over 40s page.
You are a tattoo fan and you collect Traditional tattoos: What role do your tattoos play in your identity?
Tattoos play both a huge and insignificant role in my identity. In many ways, I largely ignore them and forget they are even there.
I mostly started being tattooed as a coping mechanism whilst grieving my mother’s death so they are more of a personal project that helped me through an incredibly difficult time rather than a fashion statement.
However, I do think they play a part in making my overall look much more colourful and exciting.
What is the image of women that you like to present in your photographs?
I hope my photographs are a combination of attainable and aspirational style. I spend time curating the looks but also don’t edit all my curves and edges. I do however sometimes, filter my skin, to create a more editorial image. I see the photos as art pieces but hope they are still relatable to women everywhere.
The outfits you create are very beautiful, can you tell me something about your brand?
My style is ever changing but what does remain consistent about my brand is that I think it’s incredibly important for women over 40, who are starting to feel invisible and self-conscious as their bodies change and their faces age, really need to stop giving a f**k what anybody else thinks.
My brand is about positivity, self-love, self-confidence, embracing our differences and being brave with our fashion choices. I would describe my fashion as clean & simplistic using bold lines and colours. And one that is definitely informed by a 1940s and 50s fashion style.
Do your tattoos have a special meaning? Can you describe any of them and tell me who is the tattoo artist?
Most of my tattoos are tributes to my mother and children but also some very personal struggles in my life.
There is a heavy Sailor Jerry influence and one of my favourites is a sailor girl reminiscent of my mother (who was a very keen yachts master.)
Some are also just cute little designs that I fell in love with, with very little meaning. The tattoo artist is Adam Sage.
Last question, when you write Raising my sisters up! What do you mean?
“Raising my sisters up” is a term I have used in my bio to show my commitment and loyalty to celebrating, supporting and promoting all the wonderful women in my life and here on Instagram. I think life can be a tough place for women and sticking together and raising each other up when so much in society tears us down, is crucial.
