Can you tell us a bit about how you got your start in fashion?
I was born in Dublin, Ireland and lived in Europe, Japan, Southeast Asia and Australia before finally settling in New York City. I have always had a love for fashion, since childhood, watching my mum hand make dresses for my sister and I.  However, I think it was my time living in Japan when I truly became obsessed with clothing and style and knew it was how I wanted to forge my career. Once landing in New York City, I worked at such brands as rag & bone, Edun, Club Monaco and Ralph Lauren before finally starting my own collection in 2020.

Where do you get your inspiration when creating a new collection?
Generally, my inspiration comes from music, female artists or designers and also frequently from Irish poets or musicians such as Sinéad O’ Connor. However, the starting point is always how can we make this collection in the most sustainable manner with enduring quality. 

Your brand was built around sustainability. Why is this important to you, and for the entire industry? 
Our planet is facing a triple threat; climate change, diminishing biodiversity and excessive pollution. The good news is that the solutions to these challenges lie in nature and rely on indigenous wisdom and local communities, like us, to solve them. I feel my responsibility is to educate and inspire people to lead more sustainable lives.

What do you hope for the future of sustainability in fashion?
I hope for the end of disposable fashion. The average American wears their garments only 7 times. I wish people would invest in less items of clothing and purchase fewer pieces that they cherish and wear more often.

Describe this year’s show in one sentence.
A whirlwind. We had the opportunity to work with the most amazing partners from Estée Lauder to casting director Rachel Chandler and makeup artist Romy Soleimani. Many of these powerhouse women have become friends. It was truly a dream.

Makeup artist Romy Soleimani is creating the makeup looks for this year’s show. Why do you think the connection between beauty and fashion is important?
Beauty is fashion and fashion is beauty. Women, and men, dress and do skin and make up routines to feel confident and beautiful. Confidence is everything in life, and a stellar outfit and beautiful skin can really instill an incredible inner confidence.

Get The Look: Makeup From Maria McManus’ SS25 Show

Created by Global Makeup Artist Romy Soleimani

The Inspiration:
“Futuristic minimalism in beauty begins with great skincare. It’s all about nurturing the skin with nourishing, energizing products. Once the skin radiates its natural beauty, allowing the woman’s true essence to shine through, I turn my attention to the finer details—details with intention, much like the thoughtful designs in Maria’s collection. Whether it’s a subtle highlight in the eyes or a bold red lip, every element serves a purpose."

The Routine:
Skin:
Skin is hydrated and energized using the Re-Nutriv Ultimate Diamond Brilliance Serum and Soft Creme. 

Face:
A sheer canvas of Futurist SkinTint Serum applied only where needed, creating the appearance of second skin. 

Eyes:
Eyes become the focal point with subtle detail. Apply the silver shade in the Pure Color Envy Eyeshadow Quad in 05 Grey Haze to the inner corners of the eyes for an icy finish.

Brows & Lashes:
Brows are soft using the BrowPerfect 3D All-in-One Styler and Brow Now Stay-in-Place Brow Gel, only when needed. Lashes are left bare with no mascara.

Lips:
Lips are softly defined using the Double Wear 24H Stay-in-Place Lip Liner in 09 Taupe and finished with a subtle shine using the Pure Color Envy Lip Oil-Serum.