About the Founder
Maya Nora Sirohi
Maya grew up between India and Germany, an experience that has shaped her way of seeing. Maya’s South Asian heritage formed her earliest understanding of beauty: hand-dyed fabrics drying in the wind, the intricate sparkle of embellishments on saris worn by women passing by, the scent of spices in the streets, and the vivid energy of everyday life. Rajasthan, the region her family comes from, has influenced her creative vision profoundly. Its palaces, carved archways, and quiet corners filled with colour and story have become places she returns to for inspiration.
Alongside Rajasthan, Maya’s sense of home is rooted in the south of Germany, in the Odenwald region where she grew up. The region shaped her understanding of quality of life, grounded in a connection to the land, slow country days, seasonal eating, and an intimate relationship with nature. The carefully preserved Fachwerkhäuser (half-timbered houses) common to the area, instilled an early appreciation for detail, craftsmanship, and construction designed to last for generations. This culture of making, where quality is valued over speed and longevity over display, informs how Maya approaches design.
In both, the Odenwald and Rajasthan, she recognises an overlapping language of craft, labour, and lived heritage. These places form her understanding of Heimat (home), one that honours slowness, respect for materials, and the quiet beauty of things made well.
Self-taught, Maya founded Maya Nora in response to what she felt was missing: design that truly reflected cultural duality without dilution. Her practice is deeply hands-on. She selects fabrics and beads by hand, visits artisans, spends time learning their techniques, and builds relationships rooted in respect and exchange.
“Creativity begins with the beauty of the everyday: personal memories, fleeting encounters, a scent carried in the air, the sound of children laughing. These personal memories become the foundation of my work.”
In conversation with Maya, Founder and Designer
Who is behind MAYA NORA?
- I am shaped by my dual heritage and a deep appreciation for craft. Growing up between India and Germany has shaped how I think, design, and tell stories. MAYA NORA is an extension of how I experience clothing, personal, expressive, and meant to be lived in.
What was the moment you knew you wanted to start MAYA NORA?
- I wanted to create something of my own from an early age. Moving to London introduced me to the creative industry, and that’s when I knew I wanted to start my own womenswear brand.
How would you describe your relationship with clothing?
- I love dressing up. It’s a fun way to express how I feel and show my personality.
What is the first thing you notice in a garment?
- The first thing I notice is the silhouette. Playing with different and unique shapes has always intrigued me.
What influences you the most?
- Memories and places, textiles rich with story, and the women who surround me.
Why is craft so central to what you do?
- I’ve always been passionate about showcasing my heritage, particularly South Asian craft. Supporting small artisans is central to my work, and I want to help ensure these traditions are preserved and understood for the skill, care, and people behind them. For a long time, Indian craftsmanship has been referenced by large fashion houses without proper recognition of the artisans and communities who sustain it.
Do you believe in trends?
- I believe in longevity rather than trends. In returning to the same piece years later and loving it even more. I’m drawn to the idea of garments being passed down through generations, becoming heirlooms that carry memory and meaning.
Do you have a favourite piece in the collection?
- At the moment, I find myself wearing the Sculpted Glass Blazer and the Prism Pleat Trousers the most. They’ve become true staples in my wardrobe and are easy to style in different ways. They work perfectly for London weather too: effortless on their own, or layered with a coat.
What is always part of your design process?
- A hands-on approach is always part of my design process. I design each piece myself, select the fabrics, and stay involved in every stage. I travel to Delhi to work closely with artisans and visit local markets to hand-select fabrics and beads.
What do you think about when you see someone wearing MAYA NORA?
- It’s the best feeling. Seeing the pieces worn and styled by others truly brings them to life.
What does MAYA NORA represent to you personally?
- MAYA NORA represents an extension of myself. It brings together my heritage, my way of seeing, and my relationship with clothing. It’s a space where memory, craft, and everyday life meet.
