About me: Maria Dionisiou-Outerwear Designer and Media Wardrobe Stylist and Consultant
Maria Nikolaos Dionyssiou was born into a middle class Greek family who immigrated to New York from a little island in the north Aegean Sea in the late 1960’s to begin a new life in the Big Apple. Both her parents obtained jobs as sewing machine operators in various factories for the first few years. During the early 1970’s the family had saved a little bit of money and opened an apparel manufacturing facility in New Jersey. Maria grew up learning the skills of the trade hands on.
Later she earned a degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance from Boston University. Upon graduation, she dabbled in the finance field until her passion brought her back to her roots.
Maria began designing outerwear and made herself well known amongst major retailers, the press and media and the 7th Avenue regulars from a little leopard swing coat she named the “Lucy.” Inspired by Lucille Ball, Maria paved the path to her future, establishing a name coupled with a successful business. She went on to design pieces for the Oscar Awards Fashion Shows and was recognized in the credits along side designers such as Gianfranco Ferre, Jean Paul Gaultier, Gianni Versace, Anna Sui, etc. Dionisiou also consulted and produced clothing, outerwear and accessories for various celebrities and designers such as Suzanne Somers, Patti LaBelle, Randolph Duke, Freddy Star, Fred Hayman, Adrienne Vittadini, Isaac Mizrahi, Kimora Lee Simmons, Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Anne Klein, Dennis Basso. She has designed outerwear pieces that have appeared on numerous television shows, motion pictures, off Broadway musicals, and music videos.
Together with her design talents, Maria has also built a successful reputation as a wardrobe stylist and consultant, presently concentrating on television and film. Last summer she worked on crew for the location filming of “Mamma Mia” the movie with Meryl Streep and Pierce Brosnan. Maria has also worked for VH1 as a wardrobe stylist for on air talent has styled numerous celebrities throughout her career for various events, photo shoots and television appearances.
Today, Maria continues her success through her contributions to the art of fashion with her limitless talent, dedication and vision. She designs and produces exclusively for major retailers in the United States and Canada and retains a showroom/office located at 209 W.38th Street, New York, New York.
Check out some of the fun below on and off set with the "MAMMA MIA!" family!
Maria! that's cool, CHINA. Well let me know when you're here and we'll do something. Yes, the movie is like a series of reminders of different moments on set. It doesn;t feel like a film... But it's fun. Anyway, my sister is now in NY, doing a show at the Spiegel Tent called DESIR, go watch it and let me know. Best, JP
if my schedule allows it, I am in! I am busting my ass out here at the moment but its all good! BIG THINGS! in either case I will get to NYC so I will be sure to let you know! much love! tty soon!
lol -- thanks! I am trying to get it going!! greek islands! lets do it! I know Yannis wants me there! LOL LOL LOL -- he is the best! how are you doing? travels??
