Live by action: Maria Biggs’ bold leap into fashion
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Vivi al ago, meaning “Live by action” in Esperanto, is poignant for Maria Biggs and is the name of her fashion label, launched two years ago, signifying her courage to make a dream come true.
The latest Vivi al ago collection that took on the runway at the Tasmanian Fashion Festival last month, showcased the elegance and minimal aesthetic the brand strives for.
“There is a rise in that slow fashion now where people, and even a lot of the younger generation too are a lot more aware of the waste in the industry. That minimum aesthetic has always been associated with understated elegance, and it’s always going to be an appealing fashion style for those who want to be a little bit more thoughtful and intentional, about their wardrobe,” Maria Biggs told Neos Kosmos.
Maria started her label with the intention of creating minimalist designs using premium fabrics and impeccable tailoring. Each collection is designed as a capsule wardrobe, allowing pieces to work seamlessly across seasons, becoming a bit like forever pieces.
“Greek culture really embraces that simple life”
While Tasmania has been home ever since her family (Skordilis) moved there in 1970, she has always stayed connected to Greece, and Corfu in particular, where she was born and spent the first years of her childhood.
“There is always an influence in my designs when it comes to my heritage, because Corfu is such a beautiful island. You’re shaped by your childhood. There’s a simplicity in life there. Greek culture really embraces that simple life. My mother always had that minimal aesthetic as well. And I was very influenced by her.”
She returned to Corfu for the first time at 19, spending a year on the beautiful island, and then back again years later, in 2010.
“I was totally unprepared for the emotion. I didn’t think I’d have that after spending so much time in Australia, but I really did. I really felt connected.”
Fashion runs in the family
“My mother was a dressmaker. She learned when she was young. Back in those days, they used to make their own clothes. She used to make a lot of my stuff. I’d design things, draw pictures for her, and then I’d go and find the fabric I wanted. And she made some pretty amazing outfits for me, and for my friends as well!”
Even her daughters are in the fashion industry.
“They’re a great inspiration for me. My daughter has her own fashion label, which has done amazingly- St. Agni, named after my mum. And my other daughter, she works for her sister, in marketing.”
Since 2010 Maria would travel every year to Corfu and spend more and more time on the island and exploring Greece. When the pandemic hit, all the travelling stopped, and it was then that she started revisiting a dream she had when she was younger.
“I thought, if I don’t do it now, if I don’t take the plunge, I’ll probably always regret it. I had no excuse. I had the time, and I had the energy and the passion. Who is to say that it is too late?”
As Maria explored her ideas, she noticed that many fashion brands targeted younger audiences, with styles that no longer appealed to her.
“I wanted really good quality, good fabrics, clothes that are tailored. I still want to look great, minimal, great and elegant, but, but it’s got to be more for my demographic.”
As the label grew, her business partner, Alexandra Harvey, joined her.
“We share a common Greek heritage and vision for the brand, which has led to both a strong partnership and a beautiful friendship.”
Looking at what she has accomplished in the last two years, she urges others to pursue their passion at any stage in their lives.
“It’s never too late. If you have a dream, have a go, you have nothing to lose. Because even if you fail, you will have learned so much.”
We are a different generation, she adds.
“As we get older, we’re not ready to just sit at home.
“I feel women have always put everyone first. We put our family first, we look after our parents and our children and our husbands, and we try to maintain everything for everyone and then, there comes a time where your kids have gone, and it’s not too late to finally do something for yourself. Something that makes you feel good and makes you feel productive, and gives you purpose.”
“I’m not saying I don’t get stressed. I do. I get nervous about launching a new collection, but it’s about stepping outside your safety zone, challenging yourself, and feeling – even in the little things- that sense of accomplishment.”
The original article: NEOS KOSMOS .
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