back to creatives →

Maria Chany: Redefining Sustainable Fashion

Maria Chany demonstrates how independent designers can set a higher standard for sustainability and ethics in the fashion industry. With shorter supply chains, made-to-order production, and fair wages for her small team, she not only minimizes waste but fosters a more personal and responsible approach to design.

Chany is currently experimenting with bio-based materials derived from beetroot, while also incorporating elements of industrial waste into her designs, such as car tire tubes and surplus denim zippers. This fusion of innovation and sustainability is at the heart of her creative process.

​

A Brand Rooted in Cosmic Inspiration
Maria Chany is an independent brand based in Belgrade, Serbia, drawing inspiration from the mysteries of the universe. Just as every human body contains particles found in the cosmos, so does the DNA of Chany’s brand. Space, with its infinite secrets, serves as an endless source of inspiration for her designs.

Her latest collection, "Terraforming," explored the concept of astronauts as modern-day colonizers, envisioning them as knights of a new age. The collection posed a poignant question: Why are we investing in creating synthetic paradises elsewhere instead of making Earth a more habitable place?

​

A Singular Vision, Crafted by Hand
Maria Chany stands out in the Balkan fashion scene, breaking away from the conventional aesthetics expected from local brands. With just two sets of hands—her own and her seamstress’s—she creates pieces that embody the Key Principles of Slow Fashion: quality over quantity, timeless craftsmanship, and ethical production. Together, they meticulously select, rework, and construct materials to produce unique, one-of-a-kind garments, each made with utmost attention to detail. Maria Chany continues to push boundaries, proving that fashion can be both innovative and responsible while allowing individuals to explore and express their identity through design.