Words by:Megan Gazzo founder of Gazzy by Gazzo

EYES & EDGE: Who are you, what is your name, where are you from? Give me a bio about you so we can start from there.

MAIA: I am Maia from the independent label Wearing Maia. I grew up in a small beautiful town called Bellingen and moved to Melbourne for University. I’ve always loved colourful clothing and was drawn towards 90s Harajuku fashion, so I eventually settled in Tokyo. I think our inner awkwardness is our best side, so I design outfits that celebrate that part of us.

I produce handmade and original one-off garments that incorporating handicrafts, limited fabrics and offer custom sizes and materials to accommodate everycustomer.

In my career I’ve utilized traditional and contemporary techniques including embroidery, stencilling, painting, tapestry, patch work, as well as 3D printing and sublimation printing.

We have a transparent production line, sourcing fabric from repurposed items, locally or from dead stock. I can proudly say all finishings are done locally and all sewing is done in house.

Every piece is made with aesthetics as the goal, and sustainability in mind. By incorporating pre-loved and vintage fabrics wherever possible and by utilising local businesses in both Japan and Australia, you can be happily assured it’s ethically sourced and thoughtfully made, so that each garment is as good for the earth as it looks on your fine behind.

E&E: Who inspires you (past or present heroes/heroines).Why do they inspire you?

A few of my favourite influential sculptural/ texturalartists are Anja Carr, Troy Emery, Noriko Miyake, Makoto Egashira, Jeila Gueramian, Nicole McLaughlin and Dan Lam.

Some of my favourite pattern designers are Ken Done, Catherine Ogust, Gazzy By Gazzo, Jimmy Paul and Frida Las Vegas, Before sally, ZL by Zlism andWatanabe, just to name a few.

Some jaw dropping architecture and interiors by Adam Nathaniel Furman and Freddy Mamani Silvestre.

Make up and accessories by Enora Makan Warna,Sammy Kechappu and Patricia Larocque.

Go check them out, you won’t be sorry.

E&E: How do you handle challenges ie creative blocks, or even bigger challenges like the one we are facing worldwide - how do you keep on track with your art and your mission?

M: Keeping busy and having a purpose is key, set small achievable goals and monthly tasks or challenges! Even if it seems strange and insignificant, keep at it. The road to becoming successful is persistence and creative motivation. In saying that, its ok to take a step back and come back to a project with fresh eyes.

Like many others I decided to pursue fashion because of love desire to enact change in the industry. Each piece I produce is not to please a crowd or for wealth,but made because I would love to wear it and in the hope it might bring little bit of joy into the world. The climate crisis and environmental emergency is constantly on my mind and can be dealt with anxiously or we can take action. I hope you can see this in my clothing through fabric and design choice, and small runs or making to order.

E&E: How do you want your art to affect the world and other people? How do you want people to feel when they experience your art? What do you want them to take away from it?

M: We live in a visual world where first impressions count. Clothing makes up our identity, determines status, gives an insight into someone’s personality and can even affect our emotions. Everything is judged on first appearance whether we like it or not. I would like nothing more thank for people to feel fabulous, comfortable and confident when Wearing Maia.

As we have experienced lately, art and fashion is a luxury not a right. Clothing was once fundamental but has been flooded with choice, urging people to find individuality. Amongst this crisis, I have made clothes which give not only multipurpose wearability and functionality but also uplifts spirits and provides a sense of individuality and self. I hope people will see the impact of fast fashion, begin shopping locally and re-incorporating handicrafts and appreciating technique.

E&E: If you could go back in time and give your younger self advice, what would it be?

• Fashion is objective, never take feedback or opinions too personally.

• Start early and don’t procrastinate.

• Perseverance is the key to success. Don’t fall in to conformity or comfortability, keep challenging yourself and your style.

Follow Maia on Instagram and check out their website!

Photo credit:

Photographer: @misa_kusakabe
Model: @choomonline
Location: @adamnathanielfurman
Nails: @narinascreations
Styling: @weareingmaia
Wardrobe: @weareingmaia