MARIA CUJI

DESIGNER
Maria, a designer from Ecuador, moved to the UK in 1997 and established her millinery company in 2008. She created her own hat blocks in different shapes and sizes, as well as designing and fabricating hats and fascinators. While doing some consultancy work in Ecuador, Maria delved further into the fashion world researching for other brands and institutions. This led her to enroll in a short course in the London College of Fashion where she pursued her interest in fashion further
Having worked closely with the Ecuadorian artisans in their workshops, and understanding the way they work has only helped her develop further skills that she took with her to study Textiles BA at Central Saint Martins. Those who know and have worked with Maria have described her as ‘One of a Kind’ and ‘A true grafter’ as she is the sort of designer who is not afraid to experiment and explore boundaries.
Maria is enthusiastic about combining and experimenting with unconventional materials and always seems to find a happy mistake in her work that advances to become something exceptional. Maria strives to make her pieces unique works of art.
“My method of work is starting from the scratches’. I am hoping to change the consumer mindset towards responsible development of the fashion industry"
Maria Cuji