Maiyet: not just another fashion story

First, I saw a picture on Instagram (on some account I don’t remember) of some boots, and I fell in love with them. So, I saved the site address for later. And when I opened it, I knew I came across something special. As its founders say, Maiyet is a fashion brand that celebrates the rare and unexpected, a blend of luxury and social consciousness (at some high prices, I may say). But it worths.

Let’s say just like that: white silk shirts, with edgy cuts, long and fluid pants, sophisticated wraps, beautiful shoes and amazing jewellery. All I can dream for Fall/Winter season! As a (big) plus, I may add, batik is sourced in Indonesia, embroidery is made in India, leather pieces were heat-fused by hand in Italy, cute pieces of knitwear are from Mongolia and some jewellery are Bolivian in origin. Consciousness in style, indeed.

Co-founded in 2011 by Paul van Zyl, a human rights lawyer, Daniel Lubetzky, an entrepreneur, and Kristy Caylor, a former head of merchandising for Gap Accessories and Product RED, Maiyet sources highly specialized and refined craftwork from artisans in off-the-beaten path places around the world, from Nairobi, Kenya and Ahmedabad, India, to the mountains of Peru. More than that, Maiyet isn’t just “sourcing”, products from the artisans, but sourcing skills and co-developing products with them; there are customized training programs that allow its partners to create higher-quality, exceptional product and promote stability and prosperity in their communities.

First Maiyet collection was presented in October 2011. This year, Maiyet has selected Declan Kearney, the former design director at Alexander Wang, as its first creative director. (www.maiyet.com)

Photo campaign for Fall/Winter 2015/2016: Photographer Thomas Lohr and Creative Director Declan Kearney