25 OCTOBER 2023
M-KARA Studio is an embodiment of careful curation, a space that has been meticulously crafted over the past few years. It effortlessly marries modern aesthetics with Parisian influences, complete with wainscoted walls, chevron oak floors, and mid-century-style rattan armchairs.
Serving as the heart of M-KARA, the studio is where the designer, Maria Kara feels most connected to her craft. Inspiration flows from art, history, spirituality and culture influencing every design. It's a sanctuary where the tiniest details are given the utmost attention, and the boundaries of fabric are pushed beyond the ordinary.
Amidst this creative space, one can't help but notice a captivating piece of artwork adorning the studio – a motif of the sun. This art is more than an ornament; hand painted by the designer herself, it is a symbol of the creative spirit that fuels M-KARA. Inspired by sketches from her travels, the artwork radiates warmth and nostalgia, painted in sun-kissed saffron, beige tones, and gold.
"The studio is where I feel my most grounded, where I can design and create away from the noise, spend hours on the smallest of details and push the limits of a fabric's form".
Behind the veil of the off-white linen curtains lies a four metre cutting table and the designer's grandmother's Juki sewing machine and overlocker, that the designer learnt learnt to sew on. From a tender age, Maria Kara was enamored with art, fashion, and the art of sewing.
It was her grandmother who imparted the secrets of sewing, and from making dresses for her dolls, her passion flourished. School holidays as a youngster were spent in a treasure trove of vintage fabrics, hours spent perfecting self-designed outfits, and the rhythmic hum of the industrial sewing machine.
Today, it sits in the design room and is still used to make new designs and toiles for the label. Rolls of fabric sit below the cutting table, ready to cater to each garment.
The designer working on patterns for the latest collection, Venus II
M-KARA designer Maria Kara sewing a dress from the new collection, wearing IWC Portofino Automatic 37 watch
The rattan armchairs emerge as an unmistakable standout feature, weaving an element of timeless elegance into the space
The studio is an effortless blend of modern aesthetics with Parisian influences, complete with wainscoted walls, chevron oak floors, and mid-century-style rattan armchairs
