May I introduce: Maria Michael
Designer Interview
I always find it weird if classmates or people you know from school happen to work in the same area, and after years of knowing each other from the schoolyard you actually click much better. Maria used to be a grade below me and after graduating we lost a little contact. After meeting in Berlin a few month ago she told me all about her fashion studies (University for the Creative Arts London) and showed me her graduation collection. To make it short: it totally blew me away. The lollipop colors might be one reason, but I love the round shapes, the use of pipes and especially the pink bomber jacket is my absolute want-to-have piece. We did a little interview where I got to know a lot more about her stuff and especially about her accessory designs. Fingers crossed she'll pimp up Berlins men fashion scene. We could definitely use that.
Your brand logo is a boys underpants...explain how you got that idea, and why?
I would say the logo was a happy coincidence. The underpants originated from one of my recent projects, which involved Bauhaus, IPhone apps and masculinity. The mail app with its envelope had a resemblance to male underpants. Originally designed to serve as cuff links and buttons, the design inspired a lot more in the end. Without knowing I created my brand logo!
Describe your style/brand in three words!
Clean, Playful, 60/70’s inspired
What kind of fashion do you design (women, men, kids, accessoires etc).
Menswear and accessories.
Why did you choose that branch (men) over the other categories? What makes it so special for you?
First it was just the way our course at university was set up, and then as I learned more about the design opportunities I got hooked. I love constructing interesting functional pockets and pockets are probably the most important element in menswear. I also think menswear has a lot of potential nowadays. London has already established a good portfolio of interesting menswear designers that branch out in every area, from streetwear/casual to high end/smart, such as E. Tautz, Agi & Sam and J.W. Anderson. Maybe Berlin is next?
Coming back to your most recent collection? How is called? What was the idea behind it?
"Out of Space" was originally based on two films – 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Truman Show. Both use cameras for observation, so that’s where the circular silhouettes come from. The Lollipop colors stem from space food neapolitan ice cream and the general mood in the Truman Show. I have focused on varsity jackets/Ivy league style from the 60s as the movie Space Odyssey was filmed in that period and obviously because that time is so inspirational!
If you could choose: would you like to have your own label or work for a famous fashion house/brand?
I would love to set up my own label, preferably with a friend. However, as I stand at the beginning of my career, a fashion house such as Prada would be great to work for!
Describe your personal clothing style?
I love good quality clothing with reasonable pricing. UNI QLO and COS (when on sale) are my favorite stores, so that’s the type of style I carry on myself – simple, no fuss. And not to forget all my creations!
Who (celebrity, musician, model, actor) would you like to design outfits for?
Francois Verkerk!
Best designer all time?
Pierre Cardin, Miuccia Prada, Raf Simmons
What are your plans for the future?
Setting up my own label or working for a label that I can fully support with my design aesthetic. So still open for any opportunities that cross my path!
Website!!!
Oct. 16, 2013
Labels: May I introduce
