IN THEIR SHOES
FROM SOUTH AFRICA WITH LOVE.
I
t’s a family affair at Michael Maven, a label
founded by siblings Natasha Michael, Nadia
Michael and Mihkael Michael. Based in South
Africa, this talented trio deliver designs that
are as luxurious as they are practical.
“Years ago we owned a multi-brand clothing
store and the feedback we got from our female
clientele was always the same. They wanted shoes
and clothing that were excellent quality, feminine
but strikingly simple and beautiful at the same time,”
says Nadia Michael—whose focus is on the business
side of the label. “This was when we realized that
there was a gap in the market for a new, fresh brand
that truly embraced the female form.”
Sitting down with her fellow siblings they
began to conceptualize Michael Maven. They wanted
the name to reflect their identity while embracing
their aspirations. “The definition of Maven is
a “trusted expert in a particular field, who seeks
to pass knowledge on to others,” explains Nadia.
“Michael Maven was therefore born out of who we
are—Michael is our surname—and what we aspire to
become.”
Possessing complementary skills, the trio
have defined roles within the company as well
as contributing to the brand’s overall direction
and aesthetic. Being siblings, however, does have
it’s challenges. Do you ever fight? I ask. “All the
time,” laughs Nadia. “We bicker and fight and have
differences of opinions, but still maintain a mutual
respect and understanding for each other. The
perks of working together are knowing that we
can truly trust each other and lean on each other
for inspiration and motivation. We have the same
taste as well, so even though we differ on opinions,
our ideas and vision for the brand are very much
aligned.”
From its inception, Michael Maven was
created to be a lifestyle brand, a one-stop shop
for discerning fashion lovers. Here, you will the
perfect little black dress and an exquisite pump to
complete the look. As the brand grows, so too will its
offerings.
Based in South Africa and handcrafted
in Italy, Michael Maven is a great example of
today’s fashion global market, harnessing today’s
technology to do business around the world—
whether it’s exploring opportunities in Japan or
managing orders from Italy. The brand is inspired
by their geography but not governed by it. “We do
not consider Michael Maven to be a South African
brand, but an international brand, catering to an
international market,” adds Nadia. “We consider
ourselves global citizens, and are lucky enough to
be living in a country that is so rich in diversity and
also very influenced by the rest of the world. I think
being exposed to all of this has honed our artistic
talents and our design aesthetic. I don’t think ones
geographic location necessarily needs to dictate ones
design aesthetic.”
With expansion on the horizon for 2015,
Michael Maven is destined to hit a store near you
offering minimalist, feminine and elegant fashion
that transcends borders. MichaelMavenOnline.com —
ANGELA GILLTRAP
HEAVEN HAS HEELS summer 2015 | @HHHEELS