Maria Snyder – The Story of a Visionary Designer
Maria Snyder is hailed as a visionary trendsetter, known for being one of the pioneers in incorporating a pro-environment attitude into her extraordinary design projects.
An internationally renowned top model, groundbreaking designer, pioneer of eco-fashion, and environmental education activist, Maria Snyder coined the term "Nouvelle Couture" to describe her contemporary interpretation of traditional couture.
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Maria was raised in Westbrook, Maine, where she inherited her love for the arts, the environment, and an entrepreneurial and humanist attitude from her family's ancestry. Her father played a significant role in developing Portland, Maine, into a modern city, while her mother's political connections and her brothers' passion for environmental sciences further shaped her worldview.
Maria Snyder pursued 20th-century art history studies at the American University in Paris after attending school in Athens, Greece. She began her artistic journey as a painter and sculptor.
Maria Snyder - The Journey
Maria Snyder's modeling career took off when Marisa Berenson introduced her to Saint Laurent's muse, Loulou de la Falaise, during her time in Paris. This encounter led to her becoming one of Saint Laurent's preferred models, earning her recognition in the fashion world.
An internationally renowned top model, groundbreaking designer, pioneer of eco-fashion, and environmental education activist, Maria Snyder coined the term "Nouvelle Couture" to describe her contemporary interpretation of traditional couture.
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Maria was raised in Westbrook, Maine, where she inherited her love for the arts, the environment, and an entrepreneurial and humanist attitude from her family's ancestry. Her father played a significant role in developing Portland, Maine, into a modern city, while her mother's political connections and her brothers' passion for environmental sciences further shaped her worldview.
Maria Snyder pursued 20th-century art history studies at the American University in Paris after attending school in Athens, Greece. She began her artistic journey as a painter and sculptor.
Maria Snyder - The Journey
Maria Snyder's modeling career took off when Marisa Berenson introduced her to Saint Laurent's muse, Loulou de la Falaise, during her time in Paris. This encounter led to her becoming one of Saint Laurent's preferred models, earning her recognition in the fashion world.
She went on to work with renowned designers such as Calvin Klein, Gianni Versace, Moschino, Armani, Emanuel Ungaro, Valentino, and Karl Lagerfeld.
Throughout her career, she collaborated closely with photographers like David LaChapelle, Helmut Newton, Steven Meisel, and Matthew Rolston. Maria also served as the inspiration for artists Alex Katz and Antonio Lopez, a celebrated fashion illustrator.
Maria Snyder and Her Jewelry
Maria Snyder's jewelry collection, designed for the Italian Portalana family, gained popularity across Europe, the United States, Japan, and Hong Kong. Encouraged by people like Diane von Furstenberg, Maria expanded her jewelry work, creating collections for Emilio Pucci and producing whimsical bracelets for the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Her collaboration with Felissimo featured jewelry and wearable art lines, making her one of the first designers to introduce an exclusive eco collection made from recycled materials.
Fashion Career
Maria Snyder saw her fashion as an extension of her art and sculpture, combining her creative passions. Her designs incorporated graphic elements, hand-painted silk, and intricate beadwork. Her collections were showcased in Paris and New York and distributed to department and specialty stores worldwide. Celebrities like Madonna, Rosie O'Donnell, Cindy Crawford, and Princesses Olga and Marie Chantal of Greece were among those who adorned her creations.
Message Brands
As a pioneer in eco-friendly clothing, Maria Snyder introduced an exclusive eco-fashion collection made from recycled materials. Her concept of "Nouvelle Couture" brought a contemporary twist to traditional couture. She received recognition from various organizations, including the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Encyclopedia of Costume Jewelry, and nominations from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Maria Snyder's passion for the environment and art led her to establish brands like Eco Boys and Girls, EcoBrands, A Message of Love, and IAM. Eco Boys and Girls, launched in 2010, served as an educational resource for kids, promoting peace, love, and environmental awareness. The brand gained prominence and was incorporated into the National Education Association's curricula. Maria's dedication to spreading awareness led her brands to be featured at various events and film festivals.
Taking the Helm of a New Generation of Artists
Maria Snyder's acclaim grew as she led a new generation of artists for peace. Her artwork, ranging from graphic and advertising to fine arts, discussed the challenges of promoting peace through imagery in the modern world. Exhibitions of her works, such as HeartsUnite and MandalaLoveBubbles, received attention at prestigious venues like the Global Symposium of Peaceful Nations and the Medical City Children's Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
Honors and Awards
Maria Snyder, along with Isaac Mizrahi and Anna Sui, was named "One of America's Hottest Fashion Designers" by Tiffany & Co. She was recognized in the Encyclopedia of Costume Jewelry and received nominations for the International Best Dressed List and the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Moreover, Maria was appointed the "Ambassador of Arts" by the Middle East Peace Civic Forum and joined the advisory board of the International Committee against Mental Illness.
Legacy
Maria Snyder's legacy as a visual communicator and thought leader lies in her dedication to sustainability and world peace. Each of her creations, whether jewelry or clothing, stands as a complete work of art, inspired by a single idea. Collectors and beauty enthusiasts alike seek out Maria's creations, which remain highly sought-after and cherished pieces.
When the opportunity arises to acquire items created by Maria Snyder, one should not hesitate, as they are sure to bring delight and enrich any collection.
Maria Snyder and Her Jewelry
Maria Snyder's jewelry collection, designed for the Italian Portalana family, gained popularity across Europe, the United States, Japan, and Hong Kong. Encouraged by people like Diane von Furstenberg, Maria expanded her jewelry work, creating collections for Emilio Pucci and producing whimsical bracelets for the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Her collaboration with Felissimo featured jewelry and wearable art lines, making her one of the first designers to introduce an exclusive eco collection made from recycled materials.
Fashion Career
Maria Snyder saw her fashion as an extension of her art and sculpture, combining her creative passions. Her designs incorporated graphic elements, hand-painted silk, and intricate beadwork. Her collections were showcased in Paris and New York and distributed to department and specialty stores worldwide. Celebrities like Madonna, Rosie O'Donnell, Cindy Crawford, and Princesses Olga and Marie Chantal of Greece were among those who adorned her creations.
Message Brands
As a pioneer in eco-friendly clothing, Maria Snyder introduced an exclusive eco-fashion collection made from recycled materials. Her concept of "Nouvelle Couture" brought a contemporary twist to traditional couture. She received recognition from various organizations, including the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Encyclopedia of Costume Jewelry, and nominations from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Maria Snyder's passion for the environment and art led her to establish brands like Eco Boys and Girls, EcoBrands, A Message of Love, and IAM. Eco Boys and Girls, launched in 2010, served as an educational resource for kids, promoting peace, love, and environmental awareness. The brand gained prominence and was incorporated into the National Education Association's curricula. Maria's dedication to spreading awareness led her brands to be featured at various events and film festivals.
Taking the Helm of a New Generation of Artists
Maria Snyder's acclaim grew as she led a new generation of artists for peace. Her artwork, ranging from graphic and advertising to fine arts, discussed the challenges of promoting peace through imagery in the modern world. Exhibitions of her works, such as HeartsUnite and MandalaLoveBubbles, received attention at prestigious venues like the Global Symposium of Peaceful Nations and the Medical City Children's Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
Honors and Awards
Maria Snyder, along with Isaac Mizrahi and Anna Sui, was named "One of America's Hottest Fashion Designers" by Tiffany & Co. She was recognized in the Encyclopedia of Costume Jewelry and received nominations for the International Best Dressed List and the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Moreover, Maria was appointed the "Ambassador of Arts" by the Middle East Peace Civic Forum and joined the advisory board of the International Committee against Mental Illness.
Legacy
Maria Snyder's legacy as a visual communicator and thought leader lies in her dedication to sustainability and world peace. Each of her creations, whether jewelry or clothing, stands as a complete work of art, inspired by a single idea. Collectors and beauty enthusiasts alike seek out Maria's creations, which remain highly sought-after and cherished pieces.
When the opportunity arises to acquire items created by Maria Snyder, one should not hesitate, as they are sure to bring delight and enrich any collection.
