Pier 24

Mariana Maass is a Mexican/Spanish designer whose work is enriched by her artistic journey, reflecting her thirst for knowledge, research & experimentation. Bilingual in English/Spanish, she has enriched her worked in fashion through travel. Mariana’s journey began as she explored various mediums, including photography (learning under Mexican photographer Ignacio Urquiza) & painting (learning under Mexican watercolour artist Ana Laura Salazar). As she nurtured a rich visual vocabulary she delved into makeup design which marked a pivotal moment, leading her to study at Vancouver Film School, where she pursued Makeup Design for Film & Television. As she built her makeup portfolio, Mariana discovered a passion for fashion, costume & styling. Following her time at Cinema Fantasma, where she contributed to HBO’s award-winning ‘Frankelda’s Book of Spooks’ Mariana enrolled at UCA. Immersed in an environment that celebrates art & design, she found inspiration in exhibitions & galleries. In particular, Mariana's graduate collection ‘Pier 24’ draws inspiration from the ‘Accidentally Wes Anderson’ exhibition’s whimsical colours & symmetrical motifs. However, it was the the pop art movement, particularly the ideas behind Claes Oldenburg's work, that informed her unique design philosophy. Employing meticulous pattern cutting & fabric selection, Mariana emphasises the significance of intricate details in mundane garments, offering a fresh perspective on everyday attire. In her work, Mariana's fascination with functionality & attention to detail emerges as a central theme that is often informed by the legacies of Massimo Osti & her internship with designer Carla Fernandez. At Fernandez's studio, Mariana learnt about non-western pattern cutting techniques, which prioritise visual minimalism & intricate production methods. In her graduate collection this translates to her careful consideration with regards to trims, fabrics, finishes & cutting techniques.