Maria Stanley

Written by Chelsy Whittington

Hi Maria! Thanks for taking the time to talk! I was really excited to get to take a look at your new work in person while you were up in Duluth styling Kate for the photo series. What’s been resonating for you as a designer lately? How has it shown up in what you’ve created for your Autumn/Winter collection?

A sense of fun and playfulness, comfort, playing with color and new textures.

Do you have a way that you like to keep track of your inspirations and ideas? What does the creative process look like for you day to day?

Honestly, my day to day looks a whole lot like being a business woman and less like a creative. I’m still learning how to separate and balance the two, but I’m also learning that’s super tricky and to be nicer and easier on myself along the way.

My vintage clothing collection is my most prized possession, while takes up a lot of space in my closet and is cataloged by color to an embarrassing degree, it is my forever inspiration treasure trove that I’ll always be revisiting (and wearing). I also have a far less organized digital library of images that range from stills from old movies to photos of flower arrangements that I’m always sifting through for anything from color palettes to new silhouettes.

Can you tell us more about the photo series? You’ve worked with some really iconic women on these campaigns! What made you want to start the series and how do you choose who you want to feature? Any high points of your time on this project?

The brand has always had photography as part of the foundation, it’s ebbed and flowed over the years and most recently has morphed into highlighting women who I adore and admire. It’s about capturing them in their element, feeling their best.

Working with the one and only Kate Lindello was a high point, what a gem of a human, and I’m not just saying this due to the circumstances. I truly mean it.

I know you stress the importance of your pieces being timeless and there’s a definite vintage element to the clothes both in design and quality. How do you keep these values as a through line in your work?

It means so much to me that you noticed! Most likely courtesy of my vintage clothing collection, I have an undeniable appreciation and admiration for intricate and quality construction that I try my best to instill in my brand. It’s truly only made possible via the partnership I have with my amazing factories. We work together on the daily collaborating and problem solving.

What’s on your mind for Fall/Winter?

Fuzzy sweaters paired with victorian style tops and skirts, socks, hot matcha, my favorite Moroccan Lentil Soup, the smell of fall in the air, a weekend getaway up north (nothing beats Northern Minnesota!), the first snowfall.

You got your start in Los Angeles where you designed for other brands before launching your own label and moving back to Minnesota (I love that your website describes our home state as industrious!) Do you think your aesthetic has been altered by the switch in geography?

Yes! I’ve learned a few things - 1. The art of layering is the key to life and comfort (and honestly just looking super cool). 2. A good sweater is just as important to a wardrobe as a good pair of jeans. 3. Perhaps related to the move or perhaps related to getting older, but as I become more of a homebody by the day, both the brand and myself become more relaxed by the season.

It's your day off! What are you...

What are days off!? Jokes, jokes… I’ve been consumed by all things office move/renovation, and a recent (very exciting!) cohabitation with my dreamy boyfriend and his kiddos as of late, but...

Reading?

Summer reading has been replaced with all things flowers and gardening. Admittedly, I am more of a cozy fall/winter/vacation reader anyways (which pairs perfectly with sweaters). My favorite book is Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts.

Watching?

I did manage to watch the new season of The Bear.

Listening to?

Jesse Woods - 'Ugly Dress' on repeat! I also love the new music he is making with his girlfriend, Zella Day (who stars in one of our photo series!), in their band Chaparelle.

Thanks Maria! 👋 You can shop her new collection here and listen to the playlist she put together for us over on Spotify.