Maria Dionisiou's Blog

LADDERS

Maria — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 06:41:21 +0000

It was a frigid night in NYC, when I decided on the spur of the moment to join a couple of friends on the Upper West Side for drinks. Our group convened at a restaurant and then we progressed to hop along to other venues in the hood. Many bizarre incidences transpired as the evening evolved, but towards the end of this peculiar night something happened that enlightened me to write this post.
Iced up from the chill in the air, my friends and I entered into a bistro where I immediately hit the bar for a shot of whiskey to thaw out my frozen skin. Joining me on the blast of alcohol was an interesting, yet fascinating woman, who was part of our group. I will refer to her as, Evelyn. Although she had gone passed her ethanol limit and became unmanageable, my compassion for Evelyn’s life ladders made her obnoxiousness tolerable.
While Evelyn was sharing stories with me, a second woman entered the bar seeking a stool. She asked Evelyn, if both chairs were occupied in front of her and through her drunken stupor, Evelyn rudely said to the woman, “Yes they are!” You see, Evelyn had one stool for Her Coat and Bag and Another for HERSELF. HAHA! I was sort of embarrassed but brushed it aside, as I did not want to feed fuel to the fire. The woman proceeded to walk away, eventually finding an empty seat next to me on the other side.
Shortly after, the group, including our intoxicated but heart warming Evelyn, decided to leave and go elsewhere to grab some chow. I chose not to join them, as I wanted to finish my drink and move on… Or at least, try to head back in the downtown direction and get closer to home. Upon their departure, I turned to the woman who was denied a chair by Evelyn and offered my apology. I made clear that my friend was smashed and even though that is of no excuse, I would like her to know that I was conscious of the wrong behavior. She appreciated my gesture and continued to chat with me. While I spoke to this woman though, I felt this energy inside that just radiated right through me.
The woman was in her mid to late sixties and quite educated in her deliverance. Her striking force made me yearn to stay for an additional drink as she lured me in deeper and deeper into the very much-appreciated dialogue.
This woman was not there alone though. Nor did she seam like a stranger to this bar. She had company! A very cool male friend of hers, whom she introduced to me, joined in on our discussions. He initially told me he was a lawyer, but when I decided to have a smoke with him outside, he revealed to me that he was an Archive Artists’ Historian. I was Bedazzled! I didn’t even know that such an occupation actually existed. He continued to tell me that the woman inside that I was speaking with was a very famous Ballerina in the 60’s. I immediately took a deep breath and knew there was more to this evening then just a crazy night out in the Big Apple…My dream as a child was to become a famous Ballerina. I had studied dance for more than10 years, yet eventually decided not to pursue it. I expressed my love for the art to the historian and felt a profound connection to the ex-ballerina as he encouraged me to go back inside and share my tale with her.
Destined not to go home any time soon, I scurried back into the bar and sat down again on my barstool. The ex-ballerina shared countless life experiences with me and I was touched by her wisdom, power and perils.
The inspiration to this post began with Evelyn but was fulfilled by the past ballerina as our discussions progressed into speaking about having nothing in life and living poor and having everything in life and living rich. At that point, I became enlightened and presented her with this statement: “It’s easy climbing up the ladder but it’s hard coming down. You know why? When you have Nothing, you learn how to live with Nothing, but when you have Everything and suddenly you have Nothing, you have no idea how to Survive.”

Ballerina said to me, “Maria! That should be your next BLOG post!”

In life we climb up and down many Ladders, but WHO is that, which is Stronger? Wiser? Is it the ones at the top or those that haven’t even hit the first step yet?

FOOD FOR THOUGHT!

My deepest appreciation goes out to my newfound friends for initiating this skepticism and making an eve of peculiarity turn into a significant and memorable event!

Luv-
Maria

Drawing by Maria Dionisiou

SPAMMERS GO AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maria — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 03:26:33 +0000

by Maria Dionisiou

I think my sign says it all! I would really appreciate it, if those in this virtual world would STOP! spending time on nonsense and ruining people’s effort to make a difference in the world! Work on something more genuine!!!!!!!!!!!! I would like to preserve my site for those who actually are grateful for it!
Maria

NOTE TO MY READERS

Maria — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 01:25:56 +0000

Hi Everyone!
Just wanted to drop you a quick note to say “SORRY” for not writing in so long. I got caught up with all the holiday, after holiday, and Fall 2011-2012 load. Working on NEW Posts. Check back soon!
Happy 2011 to ALL!
Luv-
Maria

by Maria Dionisiou

INSPIRATION

Maria — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 06:53:31 +0000

I looked up the word INSPIRATION and there were many definitions.

Examples: Something that stimulates the human mind to a creative thought or to the making of art; Somebody or something that inspires somebody; The quality of being stimulated to creative thought or activity or the manifestation of this; A divine guidance and influence on human beings. What does all this really mean?

I was so confused; that I actually thought that maybe Webster was perplexed on the explanation of INSPIRATION…

In my opinion, one definition of INSPIRATION is: To recognize and instinctively accept the continuous mass transformation of the universe’s or divine powers’ demonstrations and incorporate those in the execution of your own displays while expressing your innate convictions.

Every year at this time, I search for INSPIRATION to formulate a collection that will succeed ten months from now. What does this take? How do I actually become a visionary of my own? What does Inspiration really mean to me and where do I get it?

When I first began the Game of Art, I was clueless how the whole organism worked. I was just young and full of intense energy and thought I could conquer it all with whatever revelation came upon me. My visions of course were inspired by uninhibited views but weren’t necessarily the majority’s appeal. It took many years to figure out that humans are trained and training is a process of evolution. Man is most likely to accept things that are of the mainstream common.

What does this really mean for me in my process of designing my next line? Experience constructs knowledge and after so many years I finally recognized that to be successful, I need to follow the global progression. The INSPIRATION needs to come from the development amongst society yet interpreted with my own innate aptitude.

INSPIRATION is not therefore independent. It coexists and is interdependent. Does that mean art is not individualistic but rather a collective compilation of creative ideas with further individual and/or group or divine interpretations? So where did it all begin? Was the beginning a human collaboration, which inevitably seceded into distinctive personal and group manifestations and continues to move forth as such? Or was the beginning a divine accord conveyed upon humanity, which continues on?

I find myself continuously questioning this topic, but I have accepted that INSPIRATION is codependent, whether divine or human. INSPIRATION helps us grow and progress. My ideas for every next season’s collection are based on the search for INSPIRATION from the evolution of my captured audience coupled with my intrinsic ability and interpreted in my own unique approach.

Another season coming up, another quest for INSPIRATION…Seek and you will find!

BE INSPIRED.

Photo by Maria Dionisiou

LUV-MARIA

“GOLD SUCCESS”

Maria — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 16:18:32 +0000

Living in New York most of my life, I have always witnessed all sorts of people begging for money on the streets. Consequently, last week, as I was walking by Penn Station on 7^th Avenue, I had to stop, as my eyes came into contact with something completely out of the ordinary. There stood, this illuminated Gold Fixture, which I was so intrigued by. I could not tell if it was a statue or a real person. At first, I thought, it must be a new sculpture, as NY seems to be a place lately where you can just stumble upon the weirdest stuff at odd locations. After coming to a complete halt a few feet away, I realized this figurine is alive.

A man stood there, motionless, painted completely in Gold from head to toe. On the top of his head, he had balanced a broom, which was also spray-painted completely Gold and it looked like it was literally attached to his body. Absolutely, nothing was moving. WOW! This man rocked!

I was so fascinated by his creativity and all the work he put in to his gig in order to stand on that sidewalk and make a living, that I had to reach into my purse and find some money to contribute. I walked over and placed a dollar into his Gold spray-painted crate, which stood right next to him. As soon as he noticed my motions, the figurine came to life. Immediately, he placed a whistle in his mouth and blew it as he spun the broom perfectly on top of his head. Once again I was captivated by his act. This was his way of saying Thank You!

I was so touched and inspired by him that the dollar was just not enough. So, I once again reached into my purse and grabbed my camera. He was more than happy to pose for the shot and as a matter of fact allowed me to take quite a few photos of him. I write this post in his honor and want to say Thank YOU MR.!

Lately, life in New York, has been very difficult for many people. The economy is so depressed, inflation is spinning out of control and the city just keeps finding new ways by instilling new laws and increasing common charges to squeeze money out of the common people. This chap really made me think! He stood there on the street trying to make a living but not by just begging. He put thought, effort and lots of labor into his Method.

I named him “GOLD SUCCESS,” as he really made me believe that survival is possible through any circumstances. Just have faith in yourself and put your mind and body to work.

THUMBS=UP to you, “GOLD SUCCESS!”

"GOLD SUCCESS"

JERSEY GIRLS!

Maria — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 04:45:20 +0000

Ok, let’s face It….Jersey is not just about the Jersey Shore, Jersilicious or Jersey Housewifes…Some of the most prominent, influential and extraordinary people in the world, come from New Jersey. One in particular, whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and watching work on set, in Mamma Mia! The Movie, is MERYL STREEP ( http://www.merylstreeponline.net/ ).

I loved Meryl, before I even met her, but didn’t realize she was from Jersey till she arrived on set in Greece. I understood better why she was such a powerful, independent and talented Female when I found out SHE was from My Neck of the Woods. Meryl and I, were the only two ladies from Jersey on location and I felt THAT Super Jersey limited connection. I really believe that Jersey Girls possess a certain aura unlike any other States in America. There’s an exhilarating force that exudes through our personalities and abilities which make us So Very UNIQUE and GIFTED…

GO JERSEY GIRLS!

Merry Streep on Location in Greece Wrap Party 2007

Luv-Maria

OPPOSITES ATTRACT!

Maria — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 06:24:48 +0000

Socks by Maria Dionisiou

Who made up the standards?

Socks and shoes and gloves, or anything having to do with doubles like your hands, feet, ears and eyes need to match…

This whole matching game gets trickier….It makes your brain think in a certain formation…

If you wear a black belt you need to wear black shoes…

Most often, I try to take the reverse approach. My belt color has nothing to do with my shoe color. Do you know why?

It’s simple! Opposites Attract.

A fashion key: When things match, there is nothing to focus on. Monochromatic colors just blend. When things don’t match and diverse colors are integrated together, the eye diverts in different directions and focuses on a range. This makes everything so much more fascinating.

Let’s Apply this to simple Life…

Opposites Attract! Thank you E!

Luv-Maria

Maria Dionisiou Fashion History Part V (Brand Licensing)

Maria — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 01:37:21 +0000

I’ve discussed the demise of the fashion system through various actions executed by government and the retail industry in my previous posts. I will now continue my series by looking at Brand Licensing as an additional contributing factor.

Definition of Brand Licensing: A business arrangement in which one company gives another company permission to manufacture its product and/or use their name to manufacture product for a specified payment.

I remember when I fist began working in the industry; Brand Licensing was not that common. Most companies developed and owned their own products, brands and labels. As time progressed in the 90’s, Brand Licensing became more and more prevalent. Many companies and individuals realized they could make a lot of money off leasing out their names and products, instead of spending millions of dollars on developing and building new ones. On the flip side, many businesses were willing to pay a royalty on net sales of their products by renting the name and/or products of an established brand.

I tried to do some research on how Brand Licensing began in the apparel business before writing this blog, but I wasn’t successful in discovering how it all originated. I therefore came to the conclusion that it all just evolved through clever business deals.

During my investigation, I discovered that in the early 1900’s there were a few people who actually began to buy names in the apparel industry to use on their products. One of the first name buying transactions in our trade would have been by a man named, Vin Draddy. He started a men’s apparel business at the beginning of the 19th Century, but needed a strong name to associate with his quality of merchandise. While vacationing in London, Vin stumbled upon a classy tailor shop called Jack IZOD’s. Jack was a well-respected tailor who made custom shirts for King George VI and other royalty. Jack was ready to retire and Vin made an offer to purchase the rights to his name. This was the beginning of the IZOD Empire. In the 1950’s the famous tennis player, Rene Lacoste teamed up with IZOD in marketing a new knit shirt and IZOD’s popularity soared through the roof as celebrities began wearing the IZOD shirts. This was probably one of the first apparel marketing endorsements in history.

Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation ( http://www.pvh.com/ ) who currently owns Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen, Arrow, GH Bass & Co along with multiple Brand Licenses, including DKNY and Michael Kors, later purchased IZOD in the 90’s.

In 2008, the top 100 licensing companies accounted for over $135 billion in retail sales of licensed products. That’s almost 75 percent of the estimated total of $187.4 billion worldwide. Disney Consumer Products ( https://www.disneyconsumerproducts.com/Home) tops the list at $26 Billion in retail sales and Phillips-Van Heusen is ranked 2^nd at $6.7 billion.

Food for Thought…..

Stay tuned for the continuation of Brand Licensing in my Fashion History Series Part VI…

Luv-

Maria

DIAGRAM BY MARIA DIONISIOU

REFLECTION

Maria — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 03:26:08 +0000

Definition of Reflection: A careful thought, especially the process of reconsidering previous actions, events, or decisions.

As I sit to connect at Dubai’s Airport at 6 AM, the word Reflection appears in the bubble above my head. Sometimes it takes out of the ordinary circumstances or breaking away from routine filled days in order give ourselves time to reflect on what life is really all about. Where have we been and where are we actually heading?

Quite often we get warped from all the intense living and become blinded by what in essence is really not intended to be our purpose. We become inclined and sometimes almost forced to focus on the negative in our own lives while disregarding to concentrate on the affirmative. What is it that we really need to fulfill our beings?

During all my travels, I have had the opportunity to experience so many different cultures, environments, situations, natural beauties, riches, etc. The list is long, but I have been significantly touched the most, inspired, and gained an enormous amount of strength and will power to focus on the positive in my life by witnessing Real POVERTY and DISEASE!

My eyes have probably not seen the worst, but my heart feels the pain of those suffering.

I consider myself LUCKY and I AM GRATEDUL!

Take the time to REFLECT!

Luv-

Maria

East 2010

THEDI

Maria — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 03:20:18 +0000

I wanted to share this great story with all of you. Last month, I left Shanghai on my way back to Athens, via Dubai. I had a six and a half hour layover in Dubai’s Airport. Thankfully, I was traveling business class and got to hang out in one of the largest lounges I had ever been to, in the world. When it was time to head over to the gate, I was feeling a bit delirious since I had been awake, more than twenty-four hours. I made it to the gate like clockwork and while I was standing on line, to hand over my docs, so I can get through security, I spot this very interesting man heading my way. He stood out from the rest of the crowd and the first thing that popped into my head was: I Must Take a Photo of this Man for my Blog Site!

My Blog was on my mind, since I had just written my short little post on the color Red praying time would just fly by so I can get on that damn plane back to Europe. The man was just too Cool for School and he deserved a credit! At that point though, I didn’t have enough time to reach for my camera because I was approaching the entrance point to the gate. I then noticed he sat down in a row of chairs right behind my line. So, I thought to myself, maybe this man is traveling back to Athens as well. Maybe, I will have the opportunity after all to get that photo I really wanted.

I then entered into the holding area at the gate and through the clear wall separations of the gate from the main airport, I see the man standing on line to get into my area. I was so happy that I went and sat in a corner, dug into my backpack and pulled out my camera. At the same time, I thought: Is this guy going to think I’m nuts? So, I decided to get a business card out and have that ready as well. I can then just go up to him and tell him, I’m a designer and I would really like to write a post on him for my Blog. When he finally got into the gate, the pre boarding announcements began for those in first and business class seats. I see him speed up to the entrance to get himself on board first. I thought: Damn! I missed him again! Now what?

Then I thought: Ok..Well..I will be traveling on the same flight with him for the next four and half hours and he is most likely sitting up in first or business, since they had just let him through with his ticket. Maybe there will be a way for me to get that shot on the plane I quickly jammed the camera along with the business card back into my pack and headed over to board the plane myself. Finally, I get on the plane and as I’m walking down the isle looking at the numbers and letters to find my seat, there HE IS, sitting in the seat next to mine. I thought: Oh My God, this is crazy and how coincidental? Someone up there must really want me to write this Blog about this man…

I take a deep breath, I settle in, but now, I really do not know how to go about even trying to ask such a question. I didn’t want him to think he was sitting next to weirdo for the next few hours. So I decided to drink my 2 glasses of champagne and begin reading up on the latest gossip in a mag I had picked up in Dubai. While being entrenched in the latest Demie Moore and Ashton Kutcher cheat story, my targeted victim starts fighting with his seat. For some reason, his foot rest would not go up and down. OF COURSE, this was my opportunity to speak to the man, so I Broke the Ice! I blurted out some funny comment about broken seats in airplanes and that was the beginning of getting to know my newfound friend, Thedi.

Theodoros is his real name but he goes by Thedi and he is A DESIGNERRR. I knew there was a trade instinct that startled this whole scheme to get that photo! Thedi designs leather garments and works for Harley Davidson European Licensing Division. He had just spent months in India and was finally on his way home for a break. I was finally on my forward path home as well, back to NY, with a little pit stop in Athens for a few days. We shared countless stories on our experiences and the industry and once I felt comfortable enough and had gained his trust, I asked him the long awaited question: Thedi, would you mind if I take a pic of you for my blog spot? Naturally, he was hesitant at first, but then when I assured him it was for my Fashion Page, he agreed. So here’s my pic of Thedi!

Too Cool for School!

Visit his website and his cool designs of some amazing leather jackets and bags!

http://thedileatherscompany.blogspot.com/

Cheers to you Thedi…Thanks for the PiC! Hope all is Awesome where-ever you may be right now!

All my Best-

Maria

P.S. By the way, I have to call Paul

STOP!

Maria — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 04:48:31 +0000

If, WE, the PEOPLE, do not start Unifying and forming coalitions against unethical practices amongst public necessities, we will be the only ones to blame for our downfall. One significant example is public works companies, such as gas and electric and water works have now gotten beyond any average human being’s control. They are raking the population with astronomical pricing that has become unbearable to our pockets. Where is the regulation on these services? Does the government understand that people need gas, electric and water to survive? Does the government really even care about the well being of this country?

I’m sick of all these politicians getting up on those podiums in front of cameras and making up lies, selling promises on nonsense, giving money away that ends up back in their pockets and spending the rest of it on foreign affairs and war. Why don’t they try making a real effort to cure our domestic economic infectious diseases?

I don’t consider myself a genius, but I think a good way to begin the soothing process would be by regulating and putting caps on the pricing of gas, electric, water, telecommunications, transportation, property taxes, insurance, etc. I need you to understand, that I am not against competition, nor do I believe in monopoly, but when it comes to society’s well being, I am definitely for regulation in order to control the burden on humanity as well as to ensure our safety, security and well being.

Deregulation made lots of money, for a lot of people and mainly the government since they owned and still own most of these services in some shape or form, yet the end result is THIS! We can no longer afford to pay what these public services are asking us for. It’s time for us to UNITE and let this government hear our crying voices! STOP!

There may be a lot of people without heat and water this winter because you know how it all goes down. You don’t PAY; you can live in the dark and freeze to your own death unless you can come up with the DOUGH!

So please, sign my “STOP” blog if you agree and send it out to as many people as you can and if you have any means on helping us fight this heartless war, please HELP!

LUV-

Maria

In Memory of Dane Hall

Maria — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 01:01:36 +0000

I wanted to dedicate this blog to a very special person that touched the lives of many including my own, Dane Hall. I met Dane at VH1 Classic back in 2005 when he gave me the opportunity to come on board as Lynn Hoffman’s Wardrobe Stylist. The man was a true genius at work, but most significantly he possessed an angelic soul that always illuminated any place he was at.

Dane passed away a few months ago and yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the Memorial at his NJ home that was hosted by his loving Ed along with his wonderful friends. I want to commend ED, Russell and David for putting together such a glorious Celebration of Life for Dane and for bringing together all of us who truly loved him, including his amazing family, friends and colleagues.

Although Dane was not physically there, we all felt his presence and once again he emitted his exhilarating energy throughout the air.

It was a beautiful day just like Dane would have wanted it to be! Thank you guys for making it possible to come together and pay tribute to this Extraordinary Man!

Dane Hall

My dedication letter to Dane on his Memorial:

My Dearest Dane:

Your spirit continuously lives in all our hearts! The memories you created are unforgettable and your innate love and laughter will live on forever! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to live some of the most beautiful moments of my life. You were a true inspiration with limitless talents. You gifted me, and so many others, in so many different ways with all your virtues. I Thank You Dane, from the bottom of my heart, for being blessed to have lived and known you. You were always in my thoughts, even beyond the VH1 days, but I miss you now more than ever. May your force live on in complete happiness and stand upon us, guide us, inspire us and continuously fill our hearts with joy, as you always did.

You will always be a part of Me!

I love you-

Maria Dionisiou

RED

Maria — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 03:28:00 +0000

Shanghai, September 2010

“Red has more personal associations than any other color. Recognized as a stimulant Red is inherently exciting and the amount of Red is directly related to the level of energy perceived. Red draws attention and a keen use of Red as an accent can immediately focus attention on a particular element.”

I have never been a great fan of wearing RED, yet I sense the color exudes an intense force and represents my innate characteristics. On many people, Red looks beautiful, bold and sexual. RED is a symbol of strength, power, desire, passion and love. Although, RED doesn’t compliment my particular skin tone, I choose IT as my signature logo color, in order to express my intrinsic personality traits.

Share with me your thoughts on RED…I would love to hear from all of you!

Luv-Maria

Maria Dionisiou Fashion History Part IV

Maria — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 06:52:04 +0000

Let’s begin this part of the series with the Retailers. Do you guys know that most stores today have become vertical operations? They are textile designers, fashion designers, garment manufacturers and retailers, All-In-One.

Is it possible to be a retail expert, fashion designer, textile professional, and garment manufacturer and have long term success? How can you achieve the highest performance when your focus is so diluted?

Has retail greed cut out the art of fashion and destroyed our fashion system?

There are probably thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of fashion labels that belong to major retailers around the world. The opening of foreign markets has allowed these corporations to have direct access to a vast array of everything they need to produce for themselves at lower costs. Major Stores have opened markets and created jobs in foreign 3^rd world countries to make themselves richer and our own people poorer while exploiting the underprivileged. The disregard for our own people and for the transformation and preservation of fashion and it’s future is a grand shame and an inadequate long-term attitude. We have already begun to see and feel the results of their actions. There is much more poor quality clothing cramming stores today than well-made attire. I call most of it “Disposable Threads.”

A big percentage of stores emulate each other since they have assumed for themselves new titles as designers and manufacturers. Has fashion transformed itself into a homogeneous market? I’ve had friends visit New York telling me most of the time they have no idea what stores they are in because they all appear to be alike. I thought I was the only one that perceived this, but apparently society is beginning to notice that we are ceasing to possess our individuality.

Retailers are the first to blame for the deterioration of the art of fashion. In an effort to slash their costs, they have eliminated the hierarchy of the Fashion System, leaving us in a lost arena. Governments have allowed this to take place by permitting and supporting excessive import businesses and ignoring to promote, fund and grant incentives to domestic based talent and manufacturing. Instead, they have lifted quotas, encouraged globalization and invested themselves in foreign 3^rd world countries for their own immediate benefit. What happened to our philosophy of “Made in the USA?” What about Our Country and Our People?

How can an artist compete with a large conglomerate? Where is that artist going to sell their concepts since the retailers have reserved their space for themselves and products they are producing on their own? How can designers compete against these giants in producing and marketing their ideas and products?

Are we, the designers, supposed to concentrate on becoming textile engineers, garment manufacturers and retailer experts in order to survive? Can we actually succeed or are we just left to wilt? Let’s say we have the ability to accomplish it all, where do we find the financial support to make this realistic? Are those who will succeed only the wealthy or the lucky that land into the hands of money and fortune?

It has all become a far-fetched dream for the ordinary talented artist, forcing us to lose our independence and submitting ourselves to a damaged system. I guess, if you really want to follow your dream but don’t have the power, you are now obliged to go to work for the retailers, designing and producing their products according to their demands in order to generate earnings for themselves while developing other countries’ economies in pursuit of their own profitable well being. It is so unfortunate, we have to surrender ourselves to all of this and lose our identity in order to pursue our talents and survive as artists.

Our future remains in question as we await to see what turns the Retail Industry will decide to take next…

Stay tuned for Part V!

Lots of Luv-

Maria

Lost Identity in Pursuit of Money!

Hard as a Rock!

Maria — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 21:38:54 +0000

Many associate Fashion as a lifestyle of Glamour, Fame and Fortune and Project Runway. HA!!!!! Unfortunately, the picture that is painted in reality is just an illusion. If you want a career in Fashion, there’s a lot of struggles, trials, tribulations, extremely difficult work with a very deep dedication of your entire being. A Life Dedication!

I haven’t written in a while because I was on vacation, attempting to wind down, clear my head and begin a new season in a lucid state. Unfortunately, the break was cut short because of my career. I had to pick up and book the next flight out of Greece to China. I’m sitting in Dubai’s Airport, waiting for a connection to the opposite side of the world. Many might think this is exciting, but after you do it once it doesn’t seem as exciting anymore…

One day I will write and direct a documentary on Fashion, but about Reality and not the Fantasy World television projects it to be.

If you are thinking of a Fashion Career, make sure you do self-examination. Are you Hard as a Rock??????

Follow me as I will continue my Fashion History Series..

Lots of Love from Dubai!

Maria

Photographed on Skopelos, Greece-August 2010

Maria Dionisiou Fashion History Part III

Maria — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 03:14:37 +0000

Are you guys aware that most Textile Manufacturing Mills in America were forced to shut down because they could not compete with imports from ASIA? This might sound familiar because the fashion industry has not been the only sector in the US affected by this trade conduct.

Does the government care about the people who worked their whole lives in textile manufacturing and, generations upon generations, were taught and trained on how textile machinery operated and fibers were spun into yarns and converted into fabrics?

Does the government even acknowledge the kind of impact this had on jobs in America not only for those people who worked at manufacturing the fabrics, but also on the entire Fashion System?

Are you guys aware that the profession, Textile Designer, is almost extinct as an employment opportunity in America?

I have many textile designer friends in the trade who were left jobless and had to scramble to alter their lives in order to survive. As a matter of fact, I also know of a few that haven’t yet recovered at all. They are still jobless!

What about garment manufacturing? Do you guys know that most garment manufacturing facilities in America were also forced to shut down because they could not compete with the Asian imports as well. I was raised in a garment manufacturing facility. My family immigrated to the United States and got jobs as sewers. Eventually, they opened their own facility. This is where I learned most of my skills that made me into what I am today. My family was one of the many that were forced to shut down their operation. They were obligated to tell over 100 workers, sorry but we won’t be able to put food on your table this year, because we can’t continue to financially operate and compete against the Asia imports.

So let me break it down for you.

If we have no Textile Mill Facilities left, then we have no one to research new and innovative fibers and no one to develop and produce fabrics. If we have no Textile Designers left, then we have no one to build color palettes, create textures and inspire us with innovative new print ideas. If we have no Garment Manufacturing Companies left, then even if we source fabrics and textile ideas in other countries, we have no one to make our garments here in the US. So where does that leave US, the DESIGNERS??????

Stay tuned for Part IV…Love-Maria

I shot this in NY..Ironic...

Maria Dionisiou Fashion History Part II

Maria — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 05:24:15 +0000

When I first began designing, I was very fortunate because life and the economy were a lot different than it is today. During the 90’s there were many more opportunities to create fashion fundamentally. Why you might ask? Well, first off the whole Fashion System was in essence a System!

A Textile Mill’s duty was to research new and innovative fibers and utilize them in the development of contemporary fabric bases in order to inspire and direct the Textile and Fashion Designers. A Textile Designer’s job was to research and develop new innovative ideas for colors, textures and prints to cater to the Fashion Designers’ aspirations. A Fashion Designer’s job was to create masterpiece silhouettes with the materials provided by the Textile Mills and Designers that would influence society and culture. A Manufacturer’s obligation was to produce the final products with the utmost quality for the above chain. Essentially, this System allowed Retailers to have access to an array of inspirational, diverse and creative assortments available to merchandise their space. Ultimately, this gave You and I, WE or US, and or Society a Progressive Identity.

Check back for Part III on this Historical Fashion Tour and my life and career in the Fashion Arena!

Love Always-Maria

: by Maria Dionisiou

Japanese Intricate Cob Webbed Wool with Woven Faux Fur

Photo: www.robepstein.com

Maria Dionisou Fashion History Part I

Maria — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 05:07:12 +0000

Ok guys…. It’s time to start you out with the history of Maria Dionisiou and I hope you follow me throughout this series ….I’m just going to tell you everything through my eyes, wholeheartedly and hold nothing back…

If you search on line, you are more than likely to find quite a few vintage Maria Dionisiou coats for women and girls…I retired the Maria Dionisiou label a few years ago..Go ahead, ask me why? It’s a very long tale but Maria Dionisiou, was always meant to be a designer upscale label made with lots of love, innate creativity and exquisite luxurious fabrics. I’m saving the MD Name and plan to take it out of retirement when the time is just right for both you and me. In the meantime, don’t get lost, I’m still out there giving you the latest fashion with a great fit at affordable prices… Look for MARIA, Maria D. and Fleece-Out by Maria, if you’re a true Fan! Love Always-Maria

by Maria

available at www.alloy.com

YELLOW

Maria — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 02:45:43 +0000

Yellow emits confidence, spiritual energy and happiness. It instills a force of power and generates creativity from within. It is mentally stimulating and fuels the brain’s memory.

Yellow is known to be psychologically the happiest color in the spectrum.

I took this picture at the Standard Hotel (www.standardhotels.com/new-york-city) in New York City because I was captivated with their painted Yellow luggage carts. There is definitely an energy and a sense of happiness that appears to fill the air at the Standard.

Are these Yellow Luggage Carts radiating this Meatpacking Establishment?

Love, Maria

DAWN

Maria — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:01:47 +0000

I would like to dedicate my first blog to the beginning of a new period of time and history and most of all to Loralee Barraatt (www.loraleebarratt.com) who made this website come to reality.

I have led and lead a very interesting life and for those of you who decide to follow my blog, I want You to get to know Me as a person, but ultimately my goal is to inspire you to begin each day as a new beginning, full of love and passion for what you believe in.

My blog is meant to focus on myself, fashion, and what inspirations help me interpret my form of art.

The first appearance of light in the sky as the sun rises at the beginning of a new day is the definition of Dawn. I took this picture of New York at Dawn from the Jersey Side because of the serenity New York portrays when that sun is just rising and converted it into my own cutout. We often look at New York as a frenzied city and fail to notice it’s incredible beauty when the animal is still asleep. Reality is, when you look at the City at Dawn, it’s not as frightening as it appears to be. Working in the City my whole career, I’ve had and still have my struggles to win, but I was never frightened, because I always seem to look at New York at Dawn. A New Beginning! A New Day!

Love-Maria