When Maria B graduated from the prestigious Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD) in 1998, she had a clear idea of what she wanted from her brand. She wanted to challenge the status quo and bring verve and vitality to the almost non-existent designer retail market. And that is exactly what she did.
MARIA.B started in 1999 with one retail outlet and a small stitching unit where Maria’s sole focus was providing ready to wear fashion that reflected an elegant fusion of east and west. Today MARIA.B. is Pakistan’s most diverse designer fashion brand with prêt a porter, couture, formal wear, lawn, embroidered fabrics, linen and cottons all within one affordable label while boasting an extensive retail network with 25 standalone outlets in 12 different cities across the country, while also exporting to 6 international destinations including India, UK, USA, Bangladesh, UAE and Qatar.
A fashion magazine labelled Maria.B as the ‘Coco Chanel’ of Pakistan- indeed the innovation and transformation triggered by MARIA.B’s entry into the fashion industry justifies the comparison. With a design philosophy rooted in constant change, improvement and originality, the designer has already become a force to be reckoned with. One of the brightest fashion stars of the industry, she remains committed to bringing the very best to her customers without fail. She says, “I have been given tremendous love by everybody but my vision goes far beyond that. I regard myself as an entrepreneur as someone who’s artistic ability can be portrayed in everything that I do. Fashion is a medium that can speak volumes, bridge the gap between cultures, allows human expression like nothing else can. I am lucky enough to be in love with my work, and I intend to use that privilege to the fullest”. The designer admits that amongst all of her muses, her family remains the most important.
“It’s been a magical journey-almost 2 decades- for which I can’t think God enough! When I started in 1999 I dreamt of all this ; Maria.B. being one of the top design houses and brands in Pakistan… but never knew I’ll get here one day!! I’d love to say that this success is only creativity and design… but the truth is , it’s a lot of hard work. Work that consumes you completely and it’s a blessing that I love it!! There is a lot of creativity, science and business acumen that goes into a collection. You have you be a step ahead from the rest, so product development is the key.
I’m a communist when I design!!! I want the best product with the most value at the best price for my clients. I fight for it… I innovate for it. Affordable fashion is what drives me… and the women who buy Maria.b love the value they get for their money! So I design for Pakistani women who can’t be fooled by gloss send glamour only..they want value for money!!!
Right now Maria.b. is a market leader in most collections. The pressure is there before every launch! The pressure to deliver yet another sold out collection. I work hard, give it my best and leave the rest to God.
Juggling work and family is tough but I’ve made my choices… it’s my family and work that are important in my life. I don’t waste time socialising or partying…for me, my success is worthless if my kids don’t get the right nurturing and are not raised well.”
“It’s been a magical journey-almost 2 decades- for which I can’t think God enough! When I started in 1999 I dreamt of all this ; Maria.B. being one of the top design houses and brands in Pakistan… but never knew I’ll get here one day!! I’d love to say that this success is only creativity and design… but the truth is , it’s a lot of hard work. Work that consumes you completely and it’s a blessing that I love it!! There is a lot of creativity, science and business acumen that goes into a collection. You have you be a step ahead from the rest, so product development is the key. I’m a communist when I design!!! I want the best product with the most value at the best price for my clients. I fight for it… I innovate for it. Affordable fashion is what drives me… and the women who buy Maria.b love the value they get for their money! So I design for Pakistani women who can’t be fooled by gloss send glamour only..they want value for money!!! Right now Maria.b. is a market leader in most collections. The pressure is there before every launch! The pressure to deliver yet another sold out collection. I work hard, give it my best and leave the rest to God. Juggling work and family is tough but I’ve made my choices… it’s my family and work that are important in my life. I don’t waste time socialising or partying…for me, my success is worthless if my kids don’t get the right nurturing and are not raised well.”
