About………

My designs have always been inspired by my love for antiquities, travel and exploration of other cultures, for artisanal methods of heritage crafts, and of creating bespoke ojetti d’arte, art to wear, through hand dyeing, hand printing and resist.

I trace my family back to artisans and artists on both sides and I am a first generation American on my mother’s side. My mother, a talented artist and her sister, a master tailor both taught me much of what I know and use today. Learning to dye using natural and foraged ingredients and hand sewing in the haute couture method were all learned at a young age. I am profoundly thankful and honored to carry on the tradition of creating with my hands.

My story would not be complete without the mention of my paternal grandmother and namesake, Maria. As a young woman, she raised silkworms under her bed in Bisignano, Italy to support her family. The town is full of artisans, from ceramics to basketry and home to renowned Calabrian guitar makers.

Environmentally kind methods and transparency in the supply chain are the main tenants of my work and include supporting others in that practice. Natural dyes and fibers are globally sourced from trusted outlets of women and family owned small businesses and cooperatives: in some cases, multi-generational! I am especially pleased to use Living Blu indigo in my natural vats.