In the world of fashion design, when you refer to a piece as being ‘ready to wear’, there is a level of immediacy and polish that has to be reflected in the design. Not all fashion design operates on this premise. Some designers aim to be jarring and eccentric, especially within the context of high fashion. Regardless of the intent of the designer, a good designer is hallmarked by their ability to create high quality, eye-catching pieces and Chandra Maharaj does this effortlessly. Chandra Maharaj Designs is owned and operated by eponymous Trinidadian designer and creative director; the label focuses on creating fit wear, swim wear, resort wear, Monday wear and carnival costumes.
The boldness of the prints she chooses and her flamboyant use of color across all her designs is an ode to her vibrant Trinidadian culture. Chandra also channels Brazilian roots, and in a sense, her work is a nuanced reflection of how both Caribbean and Latin people share a similar love for colorful and mesmeric designs. The ability to create eye-catching designs does not automatically equate to being able to run a business, but the outdated notion that all creatives are inept at handling business is one which sounds more nonsensical every day, and the existence of women like Maharaj disproves that.
As the creative director, Chandra’s responsibilities fall way outside the confines of just design – but what we love is how transparent she is about her whole process on social media. Some of her responsibilities include overseeing the manufacturing process, branding, managing all social media outlets, public relations, marketing and setting up visual merchandising displays at local and international stores and shows. Chandra uses her Instagram Stories feature as a constant ‘Behind The Scenes’ tool, showing her costumers and fans each aspect of the creative entrepreneur experience. Chandra’s outstanding academic achievements equip her to seamlessly do all that she does. Chandra graduated from Barry University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in International Business, and from Miami International University of Art & Design with an Associate of Arts Degree in Fashion/Apparel Design.
CARIB VOXX: Can you tell us a bit about your Trinidadian and Brazilian roots, and how would you say that this influences your style as a designer?
Chandra: “I was actually born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but moved to Trinidad at the age of 8. The energy of both T&T and Brazil is undeniable and flows through my veins; it’s embedded in my DNA, so all my creations reflect both those energies. You can see it in the colors I use, the shapes of my designs, the energies they exude.”
CARIB VOXX: Who were some of the designers that you sought to emulate or were inspired by when you were just starting out?
Chandra: “Honestly, I have never been influenced or inspired by any designer. My goal has always been to give my customers what they want, and that’s who I listen and pay attention to when designing.”
CARIB VOXX: What is your biggest fear as a designer?
Chandra: “Never thought about this question… not sure that I have an answer for you (lol). I tend to focus on only the positive :)”
CARIB VOXX: What are some of the non-creative aspects of your character that you believe enable you to be such an efficient creative entrepreneur?
Chandra: “I have somehow developed the capacity to switch from left brain to right brain as need be to be able to fully run my company. It is a task in itself because it can be exhausting and requires a lot of discipline being in a creative mode and zone, and then having to switch to the analytical business elements to handle the entrepreneurial aspects of my brand. I would like to think I have found a way to function with some balance; but to be more specific and answer your question, I would say drive, determination, vision, and professionalism.”
