Maureen Disini spent much of last month living like a Parisian. The designer flew to the French capital for a short course in fashion business at Instituto Marangoni to cap off her degree in fashion design and patternmaking at Istituto di Moda Burgo in Milan.
The French immersion served a starting point for her first collection, offering inspiration in every chicly-appointed alley and corner. “I came at a good time in Paris as I was able to see interesting exhibitions and attend couture shows every day,” Maureen says. “I made the most out of my short stay — checking out luxury retailers, concept stores, as well as vintage fairs and flea markets.”
Her stints in Europe — along with a career in fashion spanning eight years as a stylist, fashion editor and regular YStyle contributor — furnished her with a gimlet-eyed perspective that’s imaginative and no-nonsense. “I am aware of the trends but choose to ignore it,” she tells me. “I design pieces that are simple, easy and feminine.”
At 32, Maureen is beginning her career as a designer with a sure sense of her own style and aesthetic, looking up to greats like “Madame Gres, Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino for their sense of elegance and proportion” but influenced by contemporary figures like Lebanese designer Elie Saab, Brazilian designer Carlos Miele and Italian designer Paola Frani.
Her pieces are that curious mix of straightforward design and unerring simplicity — yet they hide a complex pattern of drapes and folds that make them flattering for almost every figure. “I’ve got a classic aesthetic and tend to embrace tradition. I’m quite fond of draping and tend to play with light fabrics in power knits, jersey, and silk chiffon.”
YStyle sat down with the designer to talk about living in Europe and making the perfect dress.
What are the difficulties of being a modern-day designer?
The industry can be quite demanding and I have to constantly adjust to the fast pace of fashion. It is a big challenge as I have to straddle two worlds, one as a creative artist and one as a businesswoman. I have to constantly churn out new ideas and be able to deliver what customers desire and anticipate in the future.
What has living in Europe taught you — whether in life or fashion?
It’s given me access to explore unchartered territory. School has given me a broad perspective on the different aspects of fashion; giving me a good grasp of its history and design process. My development as a designer has been harnessed through mere observation and experience.
What lessons, practical and theoretical, that you learned studying in Milan and Paris do you apply to your work today?
Milan and Paris have definitely fertilized my imagination — and of course, I am able to utilize what I have learned in school with direct applications in drawing, patternmaking and draping.
You’ve mentioned that you look to the work of Madame Gres, Valentino, and Yves Saint Laurent as an example of good design. How have your three design idols inspired you? How are they reflected in your work?
After going through archives of their work and carefully studying it in books, online and exhibitions, these designers have somewhat broadened my design knowledge and vocabulary. They have really inspired me to have a point of view and to remain true to my signature style
What trends are you loving now?
Understated fashion, flats, skinny pants, and preppy pieces that reflect my personal style.
Trends you hate?
Revealing too much skin in inappropriate areas, pleather jeans, Crocs, or anything over the top.
How does one find a style that’s classic and timeless?
Embrace tradition, keep a clean line devoid of frivolity and frills, and forego trends.
What makes the perfect dress?
Good choice of color, fabric, fit, cut and design that is backed up by good research is paramount and lastly, something that will excite the customer.
What, in your opinion, makes for a good design?
I think a solid foundation of quantitative and qualitative research is core to producing successful and prolific designs
How close are you to getting there?
I’m a new designer and there are big shoes to fill. I’m taking small steps, planning everything in precision but I know I will realize my goals some day.
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The line will be available at Jun Escario at Greenbelt 5. Contact Maureen Disini at 0917-891-1104 or email maureen@disini.ph.