By: Alva Ree

Renowned fashion designer Maru Gulishan once again captivated the fashion world by presenting her new gold dress collection at the Ms World 2024 competition in Las Vegas. The event, which celebrates the beauty, strength, and diversity of women from around the globe, served as the perfect platform for Maru to showcase her latest designs. In this interview, Maru opens up about her inspiration, the importance of family and creative collaboration, and her vision for the future of fashion.

Interviewer: Maru, your gold collection at Ms. World 2024 was breathtaking. What inspired these designs?

Maru Gulishan: Thank you! The collection was inspired by transformation, empowerment, and inner strength—qualities I believe gold symbolizes. Gold isn’t just about luxury; it represents something more profound: a sense of value and resilience. When designing these dresses, I had the contestants in mind, thinking about their strengths, stories, and how they carry themselves. The Ms. World competition celebrates beauty and the power and potential of women, so I wanted to create something that reflected that energy. Each dress was designed to make the wearer feel confident and radiant.

Interviewer: The designs captured that sense of empowerment. How did you approach the creative process for this collection?

Maru: The creative process was intense but rewarding. I focused on making sure each dress told its own story while connecting with the collection’s overall theme. I played with different silhouettes—some dresses were flowy and ethereal, while others were more structured and form-fitting. I used gold fabric to highlight the luxury and strength that the competition embodies, but I also wanted the dresses to feel alive and dynamic as the women moved across the stage. Attention to detail was vital; every stitch, embellishment, and fold was carefully thought out to enhance the natural beauty and grace of the contestants.

Interviewer: You’ve showcased your work worldwide, from Paris to Dubai. How did presenting at Ms. World compare to those experiences?

Maru: Presenting at Ms. World was a unique experience because the event is about more than just fashion. It’s a celebration of empowerment, diversity, and the incredible journeys of the women competing. At fashion weeks, the focus was primarily on the artistry and technical aspects of the designs. Still, here, it was about creating something that represented the strength and individuality of each contestant. The women walking the stage are not just models but role models representing their countries and personal stories. Designing for them was an honor, and I wanted to create pieces to help them feel even more powerful.

Interviewer: Your collection is now available for sale. How does it feel to see these designs reach a wider audience?

Maru: It’s a fantastic feeling! I design with the hope that my work resonates with people, and now that the collection is available for purchase, more women can wear these dresses and feel empowered by them. Fashion is about connection for me—giving people something that makes them feel special, enhances their confidence, and helps them express who they are. It is gratifying to know that my designs might become part of someone’s important moments, whether a celebration or just a day when they want to feel beautiful.

Interviewer: Your creativity seems limitless. What drives your creative process?

Maru: Creativity is a journey, and I find inspiration everywhere—in nature, art, and even in the stories people share with me. Fashion, to me, is a powerful form of self-expression, and I love pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Every collection allows one to explore new ideas, techniques, and stories. My drive comes from wanting to communicate something meaningful through my designs, whether about empowerment, beauty, or identity. I like the women who wear my clothes to feel like they’re telling their stories through fashion.

Interviewer: Family is important to you. How does their support influence your work?

Maru: My family is my foundation. My husband and two sons are my biggest supporters, and their love and encouragement keep me grounded. It’s not always easy to balance a career in fashion with family life, but having them by my side makes everything possible. They inspire me to keep going, to dream bigger, and to work harder. Their belief in me helps me stay focused on what matters, and they’ve been a massive part of my creative journey. Family keeps me grounded in everything I do.

Interviewer: The Ms. World competition is a massive event, with contestants worldwide. What was it like to showcase your collection in that environment?

Maru: It was thrilling. Ms. World is a truly global event, and the energy was electric. It was inspiring to see so many talented, intelligent women from around the globe come together to celebrate their uniqueness and strength. The competition is about so much more than beauty—celebrating women’s accomplishments, resilience, and power. I was honored to play a role in that, and seeing my dresses worn by these fantastic women was a dream come true.

Photo Courtesy: Kolesnikova Aleksandra

Interviewer: What’s next for you, Maru? Are there any exciting projects we should look forward to?

Maru: I’m always working on something new! I’m currently developing my following collection, which will debut at an upcoming fashion week. I’m also exploring new materials and techniques, pushing the boundaries of my designs even further. And, of course, I’ll continue collaborating with Dimitri Manuel on new projects. There’s always something exciting on the horizon, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.

Interviewer: We can’t wait to see what you create next! Thank you, Maru, for sharing your journey and insights with us.

Maru: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure. I’m excited about what’s ahead and grateful for the opportunity to share my work with the world.

Published By: Aize Perez