When I asked Maria to be my first studio visit, I wasn't sure if it would even take place. It seemed that every time there was an exhibition or event where I could experience Maria's work, the stars were just not aligned. Therefore, I was delighted when I received confirmation.
Having recently graduated form the MA program at Central Saint Martin's in London, Maria worked on her folio for a good part of the year before submitting it to the Ecole de Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne. The clothing definitely rides on the line of being fine art, but isn't that what couture is all about? And her process is much different than most fashion designers; It begins with a 2D surface, some pins, fabric and a camera. From there she uses a collage technique to transfer the piece to a flat form and will then begin to drape and piece the clothing based on the result of the collage.
The final result being structured and strong, yet easy at the same time.
Maria sites the neighborhood surrounding her studio/flat as an influence on her work. Home to a large population of Orthodox Jewish people, the feeling on the street is uncomplicated and balanced. When viewing her porcelain accessories, it really hit me ... that calmness of symmetry.
I think that the move to Paris and the experience at the Ecole de Chambre Syndicale can only yield even more amazing results.
