A young graduate from Central Saint Martins, London-based designer Mira Maktabi is revolutionizing traditional notions of ready-to-wear womenswear and custom eveningwear to create collections that offer a stunningly fresh perspective on female apparel.
Words by Tatiana Summer. Portrait by Margherita Allievi.
Lan Dizayee at Anti Agency photographed by Matthew Eades at Eighteen Management.
Styled by Tasha Arguile. Makeup by Anna Inglis Hall at Stella Creative Artists using Chanel Beauty.
Hair by Claire Healey at Eighteen Management using Oribe. Digital by Tom Green.
Born in Beirut, of Lebanese Iraqi and Iranian descent, Maktabi’s experience as a woman with a mixed Arab identity serves as the unwavering inspiration for her designs. A personal journey but nevertheless a shared one, Maktabi’s collections are anchored in a depth and meaning that extend beyond mere fashion and design.
Having grown up in a family business specializing in luxury handmade carpets, Maktabi learned the value of impeccable craftsmanship and the use of high-quality materials to create delicate yet durable designs. “Sustainability, to me, is rooted in quality and longevity. I carefully consider the type and composition of fabrication used, selecting only natural fibres such as wool, silk, and cotton for their durability and quality. Excellence in construction and fabrication is vital; I design garments to last and be cherished for generations.”
It is through her unique use of fabric, texture and draping that Maktabi can peacefully explore notions of her femininity, encouraging dialogue on female empowerment and self-expression. Her delicate drapery and meticulous tailoring merge traditionally feminine and masculine silhouettes to empower the wearer while maintaining a seamless balance of strength and grace. This harmony is enhanced by a contrast of heavy and semi-sheer fabrics – wool, silk and cotton – complemented by a neutral colour palette. The result is a collection of garments that exude a seamless blend of elegance, sophistication and allure.
Maktabi prioritizes comfort over constriction and strength over aggression. Her pieces offer a sense of liberation to the modern woman, encouraging her to embrace her innermost authentic self. Despite being in the early stages of her career, Mira Maktabi demonstrates an incredible ability to evoke deep thought and meaning through her designs, showcasing her potential as a young designer destined for greatness.
Discover this piece inside the Mesopotamia Chapter at The Silk Road Issue 12
Purchase your copy here.
Comentarios