Welcome to the latest episode of our Podcast series "In Conversation" where we bring you inspiring stories, retail insights and conversation from fashion's most influential business leaders.
Maria Grachvogel created her first collection when she was just 14. Obsessed with the idea that clothing can transform your body, your mood and your confidence she experimented with innovative cutting techniques and always kept the woman who wears the clothing front of mind.
Her approach to design which celebrates the woman first and puts joy and well-being into the design process has created many iconic pieces that have been worn by celebrities including Emma Thompson, Scarlett Johansson and Victoria Beckham.
Maria later decided to operate a seasonless business model at her brand and now focuses on timeless capsule collections that are presented as they are created, ensuring that there is as close to zero waste as possible.
Maria talks to Tom Shearsmith, News Editor and Senior Writer, about what initially led her to the fashion industry, how it felt presenting her very first London Fashion Week collection in 1995, how fashion can transform someone’s emotions, how COVID-19 impacted her atelier service and where the brand may be going in the future, such as the metaverse.
In proud partnership
John Lewis reveals how to get a job in retail by exposing interview questions