AS THE WORLD moves rapidly towards modernisation and globalisation, we witness a countertrend spurting, especially in fashion. While they welcome the modernity, fashion designers are also constantly turning to their culture, embracing the long-forgotten silhouette and craftsmanship and fortunate to say that the Malaysian talents are thriving and forging this practice among their international peers, finding every possible way to navigate and incorporate our roots in this ever-changing world. A name that is very hard to miss is Maariamaia – a label that offers both ready-to-wear and made-to-order pieces, specialising in making modernised Qipao.
Without a doubt, the vivid and nostalgic colour palatte captivates me, but what leaves me aghast is the amount of effort devoted in the process of fabrication, the beads and bobs, the embroideries, beguiling. May Tan, the mind behind the label, has a knack in turning a classic and traditional Qipao silhouette into contemporary and refined pieces that stand the test of time.
Please enlighten us on the pronunciation since it’s quite a mouthful and why do you pick this as the brand’s name.
It is pronounced Maa- ri - ma -ya. Everyone always wonder about the origin and meaning, but the story is not as mysterious as the name itself. It’s my name May reinterpreted in various languages. Maia has strong connotations to spring, the Roman earth goddess, rebirth, strength, power – all of which I aspire or identify with in design. I also wanted a memorable name that rolled off the tongue, so Maarimaia it is.
Tell us a bit about your background. I read that you were in retail marketing before you started your own label. Did that piece of experience affect your decision on how you run your label?
Denne historien er fra March 2023-utgaven av Augustman Malaysia.
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Denne historien er fra March 2023-utgaven av Augustman Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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FACING THE PROBLEM, APPLYING THE SOLUTION
British skincare brand Facetheory has landed in Sephora Malaysia.
A STEP CLOSER TO PARIS
Bistro Léa is Kuala Lumpur's latest destination for wholesome, classic French fare
The Rearing Horse meets the Celestial Dragon
Porsche Malaysia unveils the Taycan S-Turbo Celestial Jade, a one-off model part of the legendary Sonderwunsch programme
The Story Of Luxury
KOK LAI CHING, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SOUTHEAST ASIA & PACIFIC AT EDRINGTON, PURVEYOR OF SOME OF THE WORLD'S FINEST SPIRITS, AFFIRMS THE IMPORTANCE OF STORYTELLING TO THE PREMIUM OFFERINGS SHE OVERSEES.
The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably
What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?
Perfectly timed slam dunk
Seiko introduces two limited-edition timepieces, to celebrate the rising passion for basketball in Southeast Asia with a blend of bold style, technical precision, and a nod to the brand's enduring heritage.
SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW
Way up high, Felix Pantone and Zenith are coming together again for yet another stunning horological collaboration.
SANTOS DE CARTIER: A NEW ERA
ORIGINALLY A WAY OF INTERTWINING THE CARTIER BRAND WITH THE DARING SPIRIT OF AVIATION, IT NOW STANDS AS AN ICON OF LUXURY AND ELEGANCE.
A LEGACY IN TIME
This year's P-Day, a global gathering of Panerai enthusiasts, was organised in Kuala Lumpur for the first time. Augustman took the opportunity to speak with Panerai CEO Jean-Marc Pontroué and Paneristi co-founder Paddy Conway to find out more about this annual assembly.
REACHING FOR THE STARS
A tribute to the past, with a modern twist-Omega reimagines the iconic, space-travelling Speedmaster CK 2998 for the contemporary collector.