Cypriot fashion designer, Maria Aristidou, agreed to give Chic Today an exclusive look behind the runway.  Maria Aristidou speaks candidly about her ambition and the very real struggles within the fashion industry. Against all odds, Maria has already had successful shows in New York City, Cyprus and in Paris. With Maria’s open and honest nature, she shares about her personal journey to achieve her dream and shares her vision of couture.

Chic Today: What are some of the difficulties you see within the fashion industry?
Maria Aristidou: In the fashion industry as in many other types of industries, there are many difficulties, but I will talk regarding my personal experience. The fact that I got into this business with no fashion designing background but studies in BA in Commerce and MA in Career Counseling instead, there was a difficulty right there that I didn’t have bases on various sewing techniques, on textiles, production, etc. Throughout the years, with my persistence and the experience working and collaborating with the right people I had the chance to learn. This probably was the hardest way but at the end of the day I managed to accomplish step by step my designing work. Another difficulty within the fashion industry and especially if you are working on your own brand, you constantly need capital to support your venture in order to buy all those raw materials; to make the production, and always being ahead in the marketing strategies in order to maintain the desired outcome. It is important once you start to have a high standard on the making of the clothes as well as on the quality of the fabrics to always keep it that way. I will not mention the competition and the politics of the job and the large number of designers that exist in Cyprus (since it is a small country) as a difficulty because I believe that there is work for everyone. If you have your own style and you LOVE, I mean REALLY LOVE what you do, there is no fear. There are a lot of ups and downs like in any job, but you keep going and do your best.

CT: What moves you to create your designs?
MA: The fact that I really enjoy what I’m doing no matter the obstacles. There was many times that I thought of quitting and then the next day I would be so upset with myself just to think about it. Even though at the time being my designing is not a full time job, it is even a greater incentive for me to keep creating my ideas, to final products and reach closer to my goals. It’s not just selling the product but also see the reaction of the people wearing my clothes.

CT: What is your inspiration within your collections?
MA: Every collection has a different theme, it’s a different challenge. For example, winter 2007-08 was inspired by the vintage fabrics that I was collecting throughout the years.

CT: What are your favorite fabrics to work with?
MA: I love fabrics with textures, rich wools, vintage fabrics (especially vintage Japanese obi fabrics) that once i get them on my hands I love mixing them with other type of fabrics, silks, cottons, etc.

CT: Who have been some of your biggest inspirations?
MA: Everyday people, my surroundings, something I read or see during my daily routine. It can be anything really. There is a lot of emotion when I design and sometimes when I’m not satisfied with my work that I will put on paper I will do it over and over again till I get to the satisfactory result.

CT: Tell us about your collection.
MA: On July 1st, at Salons des Miroirs, II participated during Paris Fashion Week displaying my latest collection, Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 08-09. It’s a winter collection based in black with luxurious fabrics, such as silk chiffons, silk satins, and wool. The collection consists of coats, evening wear couture dresses with Swarovski details that I personally embroider as well as a series of blouses, trousers and skirts A very femine collection; wearable and chic.

CT: What type of woman is drawn to your collections?
MA: My collection mainly is worn by women that know that they will have unique pieces in their wardrobe. They know that when they will come to me I will focus on them and I will provide them with designs regarding the occasion. They want to wear the clothes, to suit their personality and figure.

CT: How did you start as a designer?
MA: It all started back in 1997 after my parent’s and friend’s encouragement to participate at a fashion designing competition “Cymode’97″ for young Cypriot fashion designers organized by the Cyprus Chambers of Commerce. Even though I was a self-learner in fashion designing, I managed to win the 2nd place with my catwalk presentation of 3 outfits among 16 designers. That was the start of working with both men and women wear, mainly in evening wear and couture. Then fashion shows followed in Cyprus dedicated in charity work (UNICEF – Cyprus, The Cyprus Association of Cancer Patients and Friends) , in NY at the Manhattan Motor Cars and Charity Event to benefit Hospitalized Veterans, as well as, a participation in Paris Pret A Porter A/W 07-08.

CT: What is making you “go for it”?
MA: The belief I have for my work. Having my own clothing line is like raising a child. Even though it started from scratch in 1997, I see it blooming, maybe on a slower pace, but on a very steady scale. A lot of people think that the job of a fashion designer is so glamorous and they get so impressed about it. It is so much work…a lot of sacrifice and a lot of times spent in the process of making the clothes, promoting, etc. The glamour is a couple of minutes “bliss”. Thus, the need from my clients to wear my clothes, the trust that they are showing to my work and to me as a person, as well as the comments and the critique I receive on a daily basis from various sources are some of the main motivators for me to carry on with what I do. The most important incentive as a fashion designer is seeing my work progressing throughout the years. This helps me to evolve and to experiment on new ideas for my designs.

Photographs courtesy of Maria Aristidou: Photographed by Greg Alexander