MARIA, TELL US WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT WAS YOUR BACKGROUND BEFORE MATI COLLECTIVE?
I am Maria José, the creator of Mati Collective.
Before starting my own project, I was a stylist in women's ready-to-wear. I had several different experiences before I started creating accessories. It was a start to experiment with something different and challenge myself. But then I really felt joy in making accessories, so I continued on that path.
HOW WAS MATI COLLECTIVE BORN?
I simply wanted to do something that reflected me, close to my values, my personality. To highlight transparency, an ethical approach, sustainability, to build a project that could grow with me.
YOUR FAVORITE PIECE?
It's a tough question, but I'd probably say my favorite collection is the Stroll, especially the Stroll Lotus model.
YOUR BEST ADDRESSES IN MILAN?
I would probably start with something to eat, like Mezzè, which is a small restaurant in the NoLo neighborhood, a very trendy area right now.
Then, Verdemari, a concept store with design pieces and also skincare products.
It's a very nice place.
A MANTRA THAT GUIDES YOU?
One of my mantras could be "Trust The Process", because I think it's very useful in life in general, not just in work, but to trust what I experience at every moment. Usually, I don't trust the process as much, but I think it's a good mantra.
Find the Mati Collective brand on their e-shop https://www.maticollective.com/