Having grown up on a farm in NSW, Australia, Maia Lillford—founder of independent brand Wearing Maia—has a deep concern for sustainable practices, excluding leather from her production line. Launched in 2014, Wearing Maia is aimed at inspiring confidence, inclusion, and empowerment.

In a bid for sustainability, all the items are small run and locally made with a focus on recycled or natural fibers. When using new fabrics, scraps are re-fashioned into masks, scrunchies, bags, hats, or even nails to ensure there is little to no waste. Any excess scraps are donated to be upcycled into blankets and teddy bears for abused children.

Living by the “more is more” mantra, Wearing Maia creates head-to-toe outfits with matching accessories using bold prints, complementary colors, and handicraft techniques. With an obsession for 90s Harajuku Kei, decor, and all things colorful, the brand strives to create accessible sustainable fashion that doesn’t compromise the environment. Wearing Maia uses wearable art as a way to evoke a conversation and use freedom of clothing to reconnect with your childish side.

Created and manufactured with inclusiveness in mind, all pieces are made to order and can be customized by size or color (depending on fabric availability) to all body shapes and sizes, genders, ages, and races.

Basics for Basics Collection

Aiming to celebrate bodies in all their glory, Wearing Maia envisioned the versatile and inclusive “Basics for Basics” collection. This collection proves that color is not limited to gender and emphasizes that silhouettes accentuate the human form. This collection is about functionality as aesthetics, with deep pockets, flowy silhouettes, elastic waistbands, easy-clean properties, and bold striking colors. The garments can be cinched in at the waist for a femme feel or kept baggy and oversized for comfort (and an extra burrito).

The past year has proven that life is too short for insecurities, so this collection evokes beauty past the pain, the rainbow after the storm, and encourages people to step out and be the center of attention. “Basics for Basics” is not limited to any single demographic and allows people to feel seen and worthy.

Credits

Designer/ stylist: Maia Lillford @wearingmaia

Photographer: Brandon Small @smallworldphotovideo

Model: Kana @naka_rana

Model/MUA: Kaye Miki @kayeintechnicolor

Earrings: @coupdecolere