SERIES
Have you met...
Photography by Steven Kohlstock for Phylyda
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the designer behind Phylyda, a brand breaking the norm in swimwear? Lydia Maurer is a woman with a mission of designing fashion for every woman.
Working in the Parisian luxury fashion industry has enabled Lydia to have a deep understanding of the real pain points women share as regards clothing. The disconnect she saw between the fashion industry and the real needs of women that don’t fit into the conventional high-end fashion sizing-system raised a lot of frustration of how fashion design is not listening and looking at its consumers. Lydia decided to use her professional expertise to take things into her own hands and find a solution. |
And so, with the endeavour to build a real solution to a real problem, Lydia decided to take her strong understanding of luxury tailoring and design, and empowered by the vision for every woman to embrace their body, she started creating one of the most emotional (and neglected) pieces of clothing. The result is Phylyda, a fashion-forward swimwear collection for all.
After over a decade living in Paris, she decided a change was needed and moved to the more forward thinking city, Berlin, to set up her company.
It is not only Lydia’s rich professional résumé working in Paris at some of the biggest fashion houses such as Yves Saint Laurent, Rue du Mail, Givenchy and most recently Paco Rabanne as Creative Director that has impacted her career and designs, but also her multi-cultural background.
It is not only Lydia’s rich professional résumé working in Paris at some of the biggest fashion houses such as Yves Saint Laurent, Rue du Mail, Givenchy and most recently Paco Rabanne as Creative Director that has impacted her career and designs, but also her multi-cultural background.
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You can see Lydia’s global background in the vibrancy of the colours, textures, and shapes she uses for the collections.
And what is additionally unique is that you can feel how her upbringing in Mexico and her Colombian roots inspires her work by the lush hues and culturally-rich landscapes her designs create. Moreover, what makes her designs even more empowering is the richness in her understanding of beauty, celebrating the nuances and diversity of the female figure establishing “The every body manifesto.” |
Photography by Steven Kohlstock for Phylyda
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And these nuances are found in the foundation of her designs and collections in which each item is customizable with sets that are made to mix and match.
What also makes Lydia an inspiration is when you meet her. Not only is she talented, she is also funny. Every encounter with her is an opportunity to grow as she brings an open mind and diverse observations with every conversation.
What also makes Lydia an inspiration is when you meet her. Not only is she talented, she is also funny. Every encounter with her is an opportunity to grow as she brings an open mind and diverse observations with every conversation.
Photography by Julia Werner for Phylyda
Feature first published February 2018, updated April 2019.