The fashion world is in the midst of a quiet revolution, one led by bold voices and pioneering talent from the Middle East. No longer content with waiting for approval, designers from the region are staking their claim on the global stage - redefining what it means to create, innovate, and inspire. Maia Sarkis, a Lebanese footwear designer whose namesake brand is crafted in Milan, is one of the forces driving this movement.
Each pair of shoes from her brand is a testament to a new wave of Middle Eastern creativity, one that insists on visibility, influence, and empowerment. Maia’s vision is simple: create designs that reflect confidence, individuality, and the power of self-expression.
For Maia, footwear is a canvas for storytelling. “It is the star and focal point of every woman’s outfit,” she says, and her designs reflect this ethos - combining meticulous craftsmanship with daring innovation. Each shoe is a statement of intent: an invitation to step into one’s own story, unapologetically. While the world is only now beginning to recognise the force of Middle Eastern talent, Maia’s work has always been about carving out space, not waiting for it to be given.
Growing up in Lebanon, Maia found art to be her tool for self-expression in a culture where individuality could be stifled. “As an Arab woman, I grew up in a culture where self-expression was often held back, where speaking one's truth could be met with judgment,” she reflects. “In a society where being heard wasn’t always an option, I turned to art and creativity as my means of breaking free. This collection is my personal expression and a result of that determination - a bold, fearless expression of who I am. Each piece challenges convention, starting with the iconic heel. Twisted and unique, it embodies the freedom I sought to express."
Maia’s designs are defined by contrasts - modernity collides with nostalgia, simplicity with drama. “I believe that every person carries a certain duality within them - a constant push and pull between contrasting emotions, ideas, or identities, each competing for attention in the mind,” she explains. “As a woman who’s deeply aware of my own complexities, I sought to channel this inner conflict into my designs. Take, for example, my love for vintage pieces. While the timelessness of vintage styles inspired me, I wanted to give them a contemporary twist. It’s the subtle details - the asymmetry, the unexpected cut-outs, and the unique accessories that elevate these designs beyond basic versions. They represent the harmony of old and new, tradition and innovation, just as we all balance multiple sides of ourselves.”
In a region where women's voices have often been shaped by external forces, Maia’s work is a reclamation, a declaration that women can not only shape their own stories, but also define the future of fashion. “When I created Maia Sarkis footwear, my goal was simple yet powerful: to design shoes that make every woman feel extraordinary,” she says. “I wanted each piece to not only elevate her confidence but also ignite her creativity. The refined details I incorporate into each design are meant to reflect her individuality, helping her own her unique identity. Take, for instance, the monogram subtly placed at the bottom of every heel. It's a small yet distinctive touch, a mark of 'silent luxury' - intended to add a sense of exclusivity without shouting for attention. It’s luxury that speaks softly but resonates deeply, just like the women who wear it.”
While entering the global luxury scene as a Middle Eastern designer has been a journey full of challenges - from overcoming cultural barriers to convincing Italian factories to believe in her vision, Maia has always viewed setbacks as opportunities for growth. “Being a designer from the Middle East has presented many challenges, especially when it comes to connecting with key players in the fashion industry who are crucial to building my brand,” she admits. “When I decided to manufacture my products in Italy, I faced several obstacles in finding the right factory, one willing to take a chance on an emerging brand with a fresh vision. As an Arab designer navigating a different culture, with its own language, processes, and way of working, I encountered many setbacks. Rejection became a familiar experience, often due to miscommunication or simply not fully understanding the nuances of the industry. It’s been a tough journey, but I’ve learned that with each door that closes, another one opens, offering new opportunities and lessons along the way.”
Looking ahead, Maia is committed to pushing boundaries while staying deeply connected to her Middle Eastern roots. “My vision for Maia Sarkis footwear is simple: I want every woman who wears my designs to feel liberated, confident, and truly herself. Free from societal norms, at ease in her own skin, and inspired by the uniqueness of the shoes she chooses. Each piece in this collection is crafted with the intention of making the shoe the focal point of any outfit. From the unexpected materials to the bold, unconventional shapes, these pieces are designed to leave an impression, ensuring that no woman has to blend in but instead feel exceptional and uniquely her own.”
“Looking to the future, I want Maia Sarkis to stay true to its classic Middle Eastern identity at the core, while continuously re-defining it with innovative and modern touches. Through refined details and contemporary shapes, my aim is to evolve the brand in a way that respects its foundations, but always pushes it forward, ensuring it remains distinctive and relevant in the ever-changing landscape of fashion.”
With her fearless creativity and commitment to both cultural authenticity and high-end innovation, Maia Sarkis is part of the collective of creatives shaping the future of global fashion, rewriting the narrative and asserting the influence of the Middle Eastern voice. The region is no longer waiting for external validation; it is stepping into the spotlight and claiming its rightful place in the world of luxury fashion.
