Maria Grachvogel

DESIGNER NAME: Maria Grachvogel

BACKGROUND:  “I started cutting and making clothes from around the age of 12, when I learned the basics of pattern cutting and assembly at school in the Fashion and Textiles class. Then my own fascination for cut, form and drape led me to develop my own blocks and cutting techniques which have been the basis of my work. It was always my dream to be a designer with my own label and I therefore started my own business when I was 18.”

SIGNATURES: “I use unconventional methods of cutting and fitting to create clothes that work in harmony with a woman’s body”

TRADEMARK PIECE: “The most fabulously cut trousers, jumpsuits and my artwork prints.”

IDEAL CLIENT: “It's all about attitude. A strong, confident woman is drawn to my collection. She has an innate sense of her own style but is also willing to trust me to try something new.”

THE COLLECTION: “For my AW13 collection I wanted to convey a bold but quiet power. I have kept the colour palette simple with deep, rich colours and have incorporated more texture than I have in recent seasons. Artwork prints are always an essential part of my collection and for this season I have created deconstructed graphic prints that really play on the duality of both the strength and fragility of nature.”

CULTURAL INFLUENCES: “Much of what I create is the manifestation of everything I take in subconsciously on my morning walks, travels with my family and evenings out with friends. So I find that once I begin working on a collection it is really hard for me to pinpoint specific sources of inspiration - at that point the collection just pours out of me. But I do have a great love of music and the power it has to set a certain mood, so I always spend a great deal of time and emotional energy selecting and perfecting the music for my catwalk shows.”

PLANS FOR 2013: “My collection is in a constant state of evolution and this year I am excited about including new elements in this and the coming seasons. I am expanding my knitwear offering and am also adding a capsule jersey collection. The needs of real women are at the core of everything I do, so I wanted to provide something new for my customers that gives the collection an added level of versatility.”