About
Hi, I'm Jaqueline
An widely recognized designer with an atelier dedicated to bespoke wedding and ceremony dresses.
Over the years, I've also had the privilege of helping young designers launch their brands, ranging from children's lines to luxury home items, using innovative materials.
However, one aspect that consistently troubled me was the excess fabric that remained unused, gradually accumulating in boxes on the upper shelves of the Atelier.
In 2020, the pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity to give new life to some of these fabrics by making masks and scarves. Despite our efforts, a significant amount of fabric remained, which barely made a dent in reducing our “inventory.”
This realization struck me deeply: if our small atelier in Lisbon faced this issue, what about large clothing companies? What happened to their unused rolls of fabric?
They were thrown away!
Eventually, storing excess stock becomes too costly and ends up in landfills.
Realizing that “my” industry is not only one of the biggest polluters in the world but also exacerbates this pollution by irresponsibly burning surplus fabrics was a profound awakening. It seemed absurd that these materials were not being reused.
There are moments of reflection when you feel insignificant, like a grain of sand in the ocean, yet you're compelled by an urgent need to instigate change.
My “aha” moment arrived when I reminisced about my mother, “Maria,” a woman whose youth was adorned by the miniskirt revolution and the vibrant 70s. Everything about her exudes elegance, sophistication, and simplicity.
Exploring what fascinated me about these memories, I discovered Minidresses: revolutionary and disruptive, just like their creator, Mary Quant, who in the 60s began crafting bold pieces from tailoring fabrics.
From this insight to the inception of Maria Atelier, the transition was seamless. This brand is a homage to two incredible women:
Maria, my mother, and Mary Quant, the designer behind the iconic miniskirt.
Maria Atelier's Mission:
Our mission is to empower women with dresses that embody sophistication, comfort, and a commitment to the environment, creating a future where fashion and sustainability are inseparable."
At Maria Atelier, we stand at the forefront of a movement that challenges the fashion industry's current practices, which are often characterized by waste, pollution, and a disregard for environmental impact.
The problem we seek to resolve is twofold: the excessive waste generated by unused fabrics and the industry's slow response to the urgent need for sustainable practices.
I. Sustainable Inovation
We begin by addressing the issue at its source - surplus fabrics.
By creatively repurposing high-quality excess materials, we not only reduce waste but also elevate these fabrics into sophisticated, bespoke mini-dresses.
Each piece is proof that sustainability and luxury are not mutually exclusive, but can coexist beautifully.
II. Empowering Women
Beyond the environmental impact, our mission is deeply rooted in empowerment.
We design dresses that not only flatter and celebrate the female form but also instill confidence in women by aligning their fashion choices with their values.
Wearing Maria Atelier is a statement - one of elegance, environmental consciousness, and empowerment.
III. Challenging the
Status Quo
The fashion industry is notorious for its "fast fashion" model, prioritizing speed and low costs at the expense of quality, sustainability, and ethical practices.
Maria Atelier stands in stark contrast to this model.
We champion a "slow fashion" ethos, focusing on limited editions and made-to-order pieces that ensure no material is wasted and every garment is cherished.
IV. Creating a
Sustainable Future
Our contribution extends beyond the immediate environmental benefits.
By fostering a community of conscious consumers and showcasing the viability of sustainable luxury fashion, we aim to inspire change across the industry.
Our mission is not just to be a part of the solution but to lead by example, proving that fashion brands can thrive while upholding principles of sustainability and ethics.
Maria Atelier isn't just creating dresses; we're weaving a new narrative for the fashion industry, one where every stitch contributes to a more sustainable, ethical, and beautiful world.
Join us in this journey, and together, let's redefine what it means to dress with purpose.