Maria Lucia Hohan’s journey into fashion design began with a childhood fascination for the transformative power of clothing. She believes that fashion serves as a potent tool for female empowerment, shaping confidence, self-expression, and identity. With a dedication to challenging conventional notions of beauty and luxury, Maria Lucia Hohan creates gowns that blend elegance with comfort, ensuring women feel both powerful and at ease in their own skin.
What inspired the creation of Maria Lucia Hohan in Bucharest in 2003?
Since my childhood, the remarkable ability of fashion to transform our lives has always fascinated me. My journey towards becoming a fashion designer was sparked by the epiphany that clothes can serve as powerful instruments of female empowerment. I have personally seen the deep impact our fashion choices have on our confidence, self-expression, and overall empowerment.
My career as a designer is defined by a firm resolve to challenge and redefine traditional views of beauty and luxury in the fashion world. I firmly believe that the beauty of clothes shouldn’t compromise comfort. “My gowns are statements of power and sensitivity at the same time, a discreet witness of so many inspiring women stories”. This belief drives me to create gowns that not only display sheer elegance but also ensure that women feel truly free and comfortable, embracing their own identity.
How do you approach the creative process when developing new pieces?
When developing new pieces, my creative process begins with finding inspiration in the smallest details that resonate with my personal experiences and the places that are close to my heart. These places are imbued with textures, colours, and emotions that subtly weave their way into my designs. I also draw inspiration from my own journey as a designer. Each collection tells a part of my story, highlighting moments of growth, challenge, and triumph. For example, the delicate stitching in a gown might echo a personal lesson in resilience, while a bold print could represent a burst of joy at a particularly successful point in my career. Ultimately, my approach is about blending these inspirations with functionality and wearability, ensuring that every piece not only tells a story but also serves the needs and enhances the lives of those who wear them. This holistic approach ensures that each new piece is not just a garment but a personal artifact that holds deeper meaning and purpose.
How do you maintain a balance between innovation and the brand’s signature aesthetic?
My perspective on the world is constantly evolving, which in turn influences my design aesthetic. Despite this evolution, my fundamental values stay consistent, and this continuity is mirrored in the emotions I hope to evoke in my clients through my designs. Our brand has a strong DNA characterized by unique bustlines and metallic fabrics, which are scientifically engineered in-house. These elements are pivotal in defining our aesthetic and ensuring that each silhouette remains true to our brand’s core identity. To keep our collections fresh and innovative while respecting our brand’s heritage, we strategically introduce new design elements. For example, we incorporate metallic chains and accessories which add a modern twist and I consistently tweak and evolve our signature styles. I enjoy experimenting with new materials, whether it’s using latex or eco leather, or venturing into the design of lingerie.
How do you ensure that your designs remain relevant over time?
My clients choose my designs for key moments in their lives, from engagements to celebratory events. Love never goes out of fashion, and the desire to be noticed, whether making a grand entrance or a memorable exit, are experiences everyone can relate to. I believe these occasions, along with the emotions and sentiments they evoke, are timeless and resonate across generations.
Can you share a particular gown or collection that holds personal significance for you?
That’s like asking me which one is my favourite child.
What hobbies or passions outside of fashion influence your work?
My other great passion is interior design and I love being a mum.
How do you manage the demands of your professional life alongside your personal commitments, and what do you enjoy doing in your leisure time to relax and recharge?
I often say: if you need something done, ask a busy person. There’s no set formula; it’s a balancing act that changes every day. Recently, I had the enjoyable experience of designing my new store.
