We become not one, but many women – redefining what it means to be us at every turn of our life’s pages. Our 20’s are a period of constant transformation and evolution, perhaps comparable to the metamorphosis in insects; a process where an immature form (the larva) becomes an adult form in a series of stages.
The most significant part of this transformation is the final step of the metamorphosis, which involves the shedding of the pupae. In humans, the shedding of this outer shell, represented by our clothes, happens more frequently and the process is never-ending. After my conversation with Maya the owner and creative director at Maya Seyferth, we have no doubt that this is what goes through her creative mind. A truly brave and lover of change, individuality with a mixture of adventure.
It is not hard to notice that Maya Seyferth the lady at the helm of the affair at Maya Seyferth brand is an adventurer and a lover of individualism. Her precious unique designs are evidence of her charismatic craftsmanship. The swizz based designer who has been well prepared through education and talent to create some of out of this world designs from her studio in Switzerland.
Her goal is to individualize garments because she believes that every woman is unique. What will catch your attention with every piece is the timeless appeal of each piece, there is this seductiveness about her designs that makes you desire them. Maya Seyferth pieces are true object of desire and most importantly consumes you with boldness. Maya has succeeded in making something common so prestigious, she has succeeded in making the intangible tangle. If you want to see the passion, dedication and creativity just pick a piece.
SNM: It is a great pleasure to talk to you about your brand, Maya Seyferth, tell us please how did it all start?
MS: With me, I was born in Georgia in 1974. At that time Georgia belonged to the Russian Soviet Union and we lived in a communist regime. That for me no life but just existence. I started to live after the political turning point. Since I can remember, because of the non-existent materials or limited supply, I cut everything that was similar to fabric or leather and did something else. I sewed the clothes from tablecloths and curtains and had my shoes made from my handbag and tapestry. This job was so close to me that I never thought it was a passion. I studied economics in Georgia and not design.
And from 1998 I went to Germany. There I also studied economics in Hamburg and worked in tax and auditing. My real passion was still to design clothes. I still made my own clothes, regardless of whether we lived in Paris or Hamburg, I never found what I was looking for and the ideas kept piling up. I did a “Mode CAS” diploma in Zurich and decided to found my label Numberblue in 2016. We showed our collection in 2017 in Berlin and Paris, in 2018 at Blickfang Basel and at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tbilisi, in 2019 at Tranoi in Paris and Blickfang Zurich and in Bern at showrooms. In May we opened a boutique in Zurich and arrived on our little paradise island.
SNM: You recently changed the name st he brand, what st he meaning and story behind the new name of your brand?
MS: Our brand name was number blue. Maya Seyferth is the new name of the brand. I think this name fits my brand.
SNM: What inspires your own designs?
MS: When I see or feel fabrics it is an absolute bubbling source of inspiration. I am sometimes in a chaotic situation and it’s difficult for me to choose the best of my ideas. It makes me nervous that all drafts that I have in my head cannot be realized and that they might not be implemented quickly enough. I have already dreamed of a complete collection, but I didn’t realize it. I sometimes look at an object like a chair or a balcony and get inspiration. When I close my eyes I see the pictures of models. It’s like I’m behind my eyes in another world. But then I have to choose the models that are portable so that they can be sold and worn. I have to grind the seen pictures into portable models. I would have a lot of fun working on the collections for shows. I would implement everything that was not polished and let off steam creatively.
SNM: We understand that your goal as a designer is to design clothes that are as individual as possible. How do you want women to feel when they wear your clothes?
MS: My customers should take positive energy and flair from my fashion into their everyday life. This way they can make every day a special one. Even as a person itself they can see themselves as stylish and confident through my creations.
SNM: Let us talk more about your shoes. Without missing words, they are some of the most beautiful shoes we have seen, what is the inspiration behind them?
MS: During the first shoot, I found that the look was not perfect without the right shoes. The dependence on existing models on the market made me dissatisfied. I did not feel free. In the beginning, I wanted to focus on clothing, but the longing for suitable shoes was the source of inspiration. I noticed that the design of shoes and clothes are mutually beneficial.
SNM: Congratulations on your new store opening. Where is it located and what can we expect from it?
MS: The boutique is a 10-minute walk from the main train station at Sonneggstrasse 31 in Zurich, Switzerland. In short, this is a source of inspiration for me which I absolutely did not expect. This boutique is like a salon and a studio at the same time. In the boutique where my collection can be bought, I have a small corner for chatting with customers, journalists, or friends. We speak plan, dream, and laugh. I also have my fabric samples there to put together your desired clothing with customers. I would like to help customers to make their dreams come true. I allow my clothes and design to be individually suited to please the customer. If a model is not figure-optimizing for my customer, we look for the perfect deviation for her. Customers love when they contribute to the creation of models themselves and I enjoy watching their obvious enthusiasm.
SNM: Maya, we know that you are not only a designer but also an incredible stylist, can you give our audience some style tips?
MS: Many people choose the safe way and wear the usual clothes in different colors or materials. Styling is fun when the person is ready for it and trusts me, allows us to try new things, and is open to it. Try on exactly what you would never have thought of. I personally allow myself to be guided by color combinations and mood. A break in style is always interesting, which means playing with contrary to the ordinary. The look and the person must be in harmony with each other. It is very important to me that the look has a positive influence on the person.
SNM: Where can we get your clothes and shoes.
MS: We sell online (now at www.numberblue.ch) and soon at www.mayaseyferth.com and in our boutique at Sonneggstrasse 31, 8006 Zurich. We also have an outlet at Gotthartdstrasse 34, 8800 Thalwil.
Many also buy at the B2C fairs e.g. Design fair and Blickfang in Switzerland. We have exhibited our collection annually in Paris at Tranoi and Who’s Next showrooms. In March we will most likely present our collection at Premiere Class. We are interested in more locations and showrooms that many fashion lovers can discover our fashion.
