Q & A WITH FASHION BRAND DR. MAAYA

Can you introduce your brand and yourself in a few sentences?

I am Dr. MAAYA. I’m a fashion designer and neurosurgeon. I graduated from the medical University in Japan, and successfully obtaining the national medical license in 2000. I have worked as a neurosurgeon for 10 years.

In 2013, I established “Dr. Maaya Design Labo” to start creative activities. My fashion art works made by using glue and medical images. Originally, glue is a material that is not used for making clothes, but I like the three dimensional and colourful effect. Using glue, I want to be able to wear art that are paintings or sculptures, etc.

Medical images, which are abdominal Computer tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET), are taken with my body. I have processed these medical images in colour.

What sparked your interest in fashion design?

My grandmother used to remake her clothes and she told me about some famous fashion brands. In addition, I like to work on a sewing machine in my childhood.

While I worked very hard as a doctor, I never lost my interest in fashion which had attracted my interest since I was a little girl. I kept satisfying my desire for fashion by doing work related to illustrations and designing goods to be distributed in the Division and Hospital or posters for medical conferences. 

However, my enthusiasm for fashion got stronger day by day—I started thinking that I would like to learn design in earnest. I didn’t lose my interest in fashion and started learning at the preparation course for learning art and design at overseas University of the Japan College of Foreign Languages.

In 2010, I finally made a move. I entered into Central Saint Martins in London, UK.

Can you describe your creative process?

I’m thinking, drawing, and working my concept and ideas in my iPad between the doctor’s work. Also, I often think about my art work while commuting to work by train and airplane. I often go to the home improvement store and looked for new material which I will make my new work. 

What is your favourite part of being a designer? What drives you to design?

The most interesting point is to challenge to work new items, style, color variation which I can decide. 

I feel inferior with my body and my appearance. Even if people is not confident in your appearance, they can wear colorful and interesting clothes. I want to keep making clothes which they choose.

How do you find working as a designer where your brand is based? Has the culture/surroundings affected your design aesthetic? Do you feel connected to your home?

I think that the brain is the completed work created by God. A neurosurgeon often has to destroy the completed work to save lives and perform treatments. On the other hand, a designer is to create a new work from zero. Working as a neurosurgeon and a designer keeps my mind balanced for both of my jobs.

In anticipation of your runway show at Vancouver Fashion Week, what are you most looking forward to?

I will be taking part in a fashion show for the first time. I’m looking forward to watching my works all over the world, and expect to expand my works all over the world in the wake of Vancouver Fashion week.

What is the inspiration behind your S/S20 collection to be showcased at Vancouver Fashion Week?

My collection in Vancouver Fashion week is My Glue Art For Fashion. In this collection, I want to introduce my works which is new material for fashion.

What are you hoping are the reactions from audiences seeing your designs (perhaps for their first time)?

I hope all visitors will enjoy seeing my colorful works in Vancouver Fashion week.

Thank you for speaking with us, Dr. MAAYA. We look forward to seeing your brand on the runway.

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