For today’s interviewee, fashion is not just about visual appearance. What matters to her is the idea, the story, and the emotion expressed through clothing. That is why the costumes she creates go beyond traditional fashion and become a form of theatrical language, cultural storytelling, and living art.
Honored artist and cultural figure Maya Knyazeva is a fashion expert, cultural scholar, manager, designer, creator of theatrical costumes, artistic director, and educator.
She collaborates with Akaki Tsereteli State University, where she works as a professor in the field of “Fashion Design, Modeling, Technology, and Textiles.” Her creative vision and technical skills have already earned international recognition. Her exceptional talent in theatrical costume design and artistic direction, combined with her widespread national recognition and professional influence, places Maya Knyazeva among the select group of artists who have attained the highest levels of artistic achievement.
Maya Knyazeva has 25 years of professional experience. She is a laureate of international design competitions, a member of the International Designers Association, and holds a doctorate in cultural studies. For many years, she has actively worked on the development of Georgian fashion and design and has initiated numerous creative projects.
She is responsible for developing Fashion Week concepts, selecting models, and organizing runway shows. One important aspect of her work is the combination of creativity and organizational talent, which further highlights her professionalism.
She is not simply a designer. Through contemporary theatrical storytelling, she gives life to clothing and creates unforgettable emotions for audiences.
An important continuation of Knyazeva’s vision is the brand Uniforma.MAIASI, which presents a new concept of modern corporate uniforms.
“The concept of Uniforma.MAIASI combines functionality, comfort, style, and Georgian cultural identity. Non-standard silhouettes, creative color combinations, branded details, signature embroidery, and Georgian visual elements are an essential part of the brand’s style,” says Maya.
Her products are in demand not only in Georgia, but also in various European countries and the United States. Her works can be found in hotels and restaurants established by Georgian emigrants abroad.
“The main goal of the brand is to create comfortable, functional, and visually distinctive uniforms using environmentally friendly fabrics produced with modern technologies. These uniforms not only serve a practical purpose, but also emphasize a company’s identity and corporate culture,” Knyazeva notes.
Her visit to the United States took place as part of her professional activities. She participated in professional and cultural development meetings, consultations, and planning discussions with colleagues and partners working in fashion, education, and the arts. These meetings focused on exchanging ideas and discussing possible future projects.
“The purpose of my visit and stay in America is to explore and develop ideas for future cultural and educational initiatives that will be implemented both in the United States and in Georgia. I want to help talented young Georgians reach the international stage.”
During the first stage of her stay, she succeeded in establishing important professional relationships and identifying possible paths for future cooperation.
“Everyone has their own American dream. Mine is a little different,” says the designer, whose most remarkable ideas include costumes created for the Broadway stage and unique designer clothing for Georgian wine bottles.
Georgian wine presented in elegant chokhas, high-end presentation attire for Georgian events, details decorated with Swarovski crystals, and contemporary interpretations of Georgian style are all part of Maya Knyazeva’s creative world.
In addition to corporate uniforms, clients are especially fascinated by her unique collection of designer clothing for Georgian wine bottles. Georgian wine dressed in elegant chokhas presents Georgian taste and style in an original way.
“At the request of a Georgian emigrant, I created a unique collection of designer clothing for Georgian wine bottles for one of America’s wine museums. This idea fascinated me deeply because I lived and worked abroad for 35 years, and everything Georgian is especially precious to me,” says Maya.
In Maya Knyazeva’s creative world, fashion is no longer just clothing. It becomes the visual language of culture.
“Through my art, I serve the visual image of Georgian culture. The Georgian chokha represents the material culture of the Georgian people. The chokha is our country’s cultural code, Georgian identity, the history of the Georgian people, and cultural heritage. It is my duty as an artist to proudly represent Georgia beyond the borders of the country.”
In the future, Maya plans to export her products, including uniforms and theatrical costumes, and establish production in the United States.
“I strongly wish to involve young designers from Georgia in this project. I am happy that I have reached a stage where I can guide the younger generation.”
By Team GT
