Maria Montané is a talented stylist and image consultant known for her expertise in the kids fashion industry.
With certificates in styling and image consulting, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her craft, ensuring that her clients look and feel their best in every setting.
Maria’s international connections in various fashion-related fields have allowed her to stay on top of trends and innovations, bringing a global perspective to her work.
Collaborating with creative individuals from around the world, she thrives on sharing new ideas and pushing the boundaries of fashion.
Specializing in fashion editorials, lookbooks, campaigns, Maria Montané has a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling through style.
Her work showcases a blend of creativity, sophistication, and trendsetting designs, making her a sought-after professional in the industry.
Hello Maria, how do you describe yourself?
Hi hi! I describe myself as a passionate person , very curious and a why not human? Why not to try this… why not to do that…
I like to explore and to question.. maybe that’s one of the reasons I like working with kids… they have the best questions and very pure at heart answers.
I enjoy a LOT what I do, and it’s a treat that it’s my daily work.
As my description on IG says, a creative person and also VERY VERY virgo 😀
Tell us a bit about your job.
I’m a creative mind that can work on projects from the casting stage to the creative processes with brands and Fashion Styling.
I like working in parallel with the brands to find the right mood and scenario for their campaigns and shoots. It’s a full combo and not just one thing. I get very brand involved with most of the people I work with, which allows me to just not have one title. At the end everything is connected and we are all creatives working together.
How did you get into fashion styling?
I studied fashion design but I never succeeded at sewing nor drawing, I was really bad at pattern making, I knew I had the eye to work all the concepts and ideas and I didnt know how to use it or land it into a job, until I discovered the wonderful job that Grace Coddington does and that was the moment I said “hey! that could be me!” hahaha… and here I am.
What do you like most about your job?
I enjoy the creative process behind every project. From casting selection to the final images… and all in between.
The brainstorming and the different ideas that come when putting together a project. The beautiful creative chaos.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I have to say that living and working in NY is very very inspiring. From a daily walk on my way to the subway to just random events you find in some streets. Even sometimes the way they pile the garbage bags haha… sometimes it looks so artsy! I would lie if I say that it comes just from museums when the truth is magic happens everywhere.
What is your process for creating a look?
It depends on the whole vibe and scenario. I need to see the model, the place we will shoot, even the daily events or news that are happening, it all matters. Of course I come with an idea, but the final look will come once I see the rest… It’s like working on a puzzle.
Do you stand up-to-date with the latest fashion trends? If so, how?
Not really. I don’t really know how to react when someone asks me what’s trendy right now.
Everything can work! I like the idea of magazines giving you some hints or helping you to combine or put items together, but not when they say that something is out or not trendy anymore. When it comes to colour, patterns… It just depends on how you do it. And most importantly, if you like it, wear it!
But what I can say is that everything comes back sooner or later, yes to repeat- reuse- recycle. If you really like a garment you can wear it no matter if it’s trendy or not. Have fun and make your own trends.
Tell us some of your favourite fashion brands?
I really like brands that have a good and strong DNA. From far away you can tell which brand is that one. And I’m so lucky to be able to work or collaborate with them.
Little Creative Factory, Tia Cibani, Super Smalls, The newest sister brand of The Sunday Collective Naturals that is dyed with natural ingredients like onion peels…
In your opinion, what are some of the most misconceptions about styling?
That it is just getting the models dressed. Or you will just fix the sleeves. There’s a BIG process behind that. Requesting the clothes, emails back and forth, tracking numbers, all the prep days before the shoot, and all the work after the shoots. From returning the pieces, tracking back, returning in store, working on spreadsheets, numbers, all that! Carrying luggages with everything…
We do a lot!
How do you think the industry will change in the upcoming years?
I think they will be more conscious about the environment and they will do more long lasting pieces and designs. I think that after COVID most brands reframed their way to work and they are more aware of that too…
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’m working on a “One day at a time…” mindset and I’m really trying to live the present. I find it very very helpful, especially living in this fast paced and very busy city.
But what I want to manifest for sure is that wherever I will be, I’ll be happy, with a dog and a backyard, with the people I love and doing what I’m good at.
Whether she’s curating a high-fashion editorial spread, conceptualizing a captivating campaign, or styling looks for a cinematic production, Maria Montané’s dedication to her craft shines through.
Her ability to transform ideas into visual masterpieces has cemented her reputation as a visionary stylist with a knack for bringing out the best in her clients and projects.
Get to know her work here
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