Photographed by Conlan Thompson
Ahead of her anticipated Fashion show with Presage this Monday Feb 12th, we briefly caught up with fast rising Designer Maya Hogan. Maya is a force to be reckoned with, she’s at the forefront of the Gen Z fashion revolution carving a path for a new era of industry designers. She is the final year student at Pratt Institute of Design who catapulted to prominence after her jawdropping debut show “Ahimsa Allure” for Project Ashima September last year. Glitch magazine called it the catalyst for her industry take over.
Maya's mission extends beyond personal success; she aims to provide a platform for emerging designers to gain real exposure outside of the academic setting because not much is done in this regard.
"I think that a lot of people, myself included have payed thousands of dollars for schools that doesn’t really promote success as a designer. They promote success in the industry when it comes to working for a designer. I want to create a platform that encourage everybody to be a creative in charge of their own success."
Debuting alongside three other talented designers: Makinsa, Rubeen Saleem, and Eli Rabin, the self funded show was dedicated to Project Ashima, a non-profit focusing on programming art/music therapy for the youth of underprivileged communities affected by violence.
It marked a historic moment, unveiling New York's eclectic underground scene through the lens of the latest disruptive generation, Gen Z. Maya brought together a community of the most talented and edgy youths in New York, including designers, models, influencers, stylists, socialites, celebrities and photographers. The atmosphere was raw, edgy, and iconic—a classic tale of an emerging generation poised to take charge.
Q: How would you describe your designs?
A: I'd describe my designs as a fusion of tattoo and clothing aesthetics. Through techniques like surface manipulation, laser printing, and painting, I bring the fundamentals of tattooing—line work, body contour etc—onto clothing, allowing people to experience the beauty without the permanence.
Q: What inspires your designs?
A: My inspiration lies in giving those not comfortable with permanent tattoos—due to religious, family, or fear of commitment reasons—a touch of the art. I aim to incorporate tattoo designs, accentuating body shapes, into clothing, making the beauty of tattoos accessible to everyone.
Q: What is your core mission as a designer?
A: My core mission is to allow everybody to experience the essence of tattoos and illustrations in a manner that doesn’t force you to put something permanent on your body. Like I said prior, the way that I make my clothing and go about my life experiences, is what I want to share with everybody. Its a beautiful industry and I think the stereotypes have ruined it for some.
Q: We've heard about your upcoming fashion show on Monday. What can we expect?
A: Yes, I'm thrilled about the upcoming fashion show with Presage and other talented designers. I'll be showcasing a special collection of 20 pieces that embody my design philosophy—merging tattoo elements into clothing. That's all I can say for now, you have to see the show to experience it.
Q: What's on the horizon for Maya Hogan this year?
A: I'm on the verge of launching my non-profit organization, Rebel Run whose goal is to create a platform for young designers, providing them with the resources needed to succeed—business guidance, access to venues, connections with retailers, buyers, journalists, etc. Everything that they need that a lot of these fashion schools are not really providing or teaching about. I think that a lot of people, myself included have payed thousands of dollars to schools that doesn’t really promote success as a designer. They promote success in the industry when it comes to working for a designer. I want to create a platform that encourage everybody to be a creative in charge of their own success.