Today we’d like to introduce you to Mira Yaache.
Hi Mira, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Story Behind MAPDesigns
For as long as I can remember, fashion has been my language of self-expression. It’s how I’ve communicated who I am without saying a word; how I’ve sought to amplify my presence in the world with intention and purpose.
The vision for MAPDesigns came to me early in adolescence, as I began to understand the transformative power of clothing. I saw how a well-tailored suit could command a room, how the right dress could turn heads and open doors, and how a carefully chosen garment could elevate achievement and magnify presence. Clothing wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a reflection of identity, a declaration of self, a tool for transformation.
One of my most vivid memories is from when I was 11, growing up in Trinidad & Tobago. After completing a major national examination, I had the choice to celebrate with friends at the mall or go home. I chose to go home—to sketch. That quiet decision was profound. In that moment, I wasn’t just drawing clothes, I was envisioning the woman I wanted to become: a woman of grace, elegance, and distinction.
Though shopping for clothes has always been a passion, I increasingly struggled to find pieces that truly captured the essence of who I was and who I aspired to be. Friends often sought my guidance to curate looks that reflected their personalities and fashion aspirations for their special occasions and milestones. They trusted my style instinct, and I loved helping them. Yet as their requests increased in frequency, I felt a quiet frustration growing. I knew I could offer more; something that didn’t yet exist in stores. Pieces designed by me that honored individuality, elevated presence, and told a deeper story.
And so, on July 26th, 2024, MAPDesigns was born.
MAPDesigns is more than a fashion brand. We are charting a path of self-discovery and elevation through timeless design, ensuring that you arrive at every moment as your most beautiful, powerful, and affirmed self. Our garments are crafted to understand the poetry of the body and the potential of the mind. At MAP, true style isn’t about following trends, it’s about curating a wardrobe that supports your evolution.
Each piece we create is a silent rebellion against the throwaway culture of fast fashion, a testament to the enduring power of self-acceptance and love. We are not in the business of fleeting moments of empowerment, but of sparking a sustained revolution in how people perceive themselves, and how the world sees them in return.
This is fashion as a form of social change: transforming self-doubt into self-assurance, turning individualism into strength.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey to this point has been anything but easy. I’ve faced countless setbacks and rejections from manufacturers unwilling to take a chance on a small startup with low minimums. There were moments of doubt, closed doors, and discouragement. But where others saw risk and limitation, I saw possibility. I had no big investors, only a bold vision and the courage to keep showing up for for it.
In my startup journey I worked with eight different manufacturers, all of which did not work out. I’ve sourced fabrics from over twenty companies, determined to find the right weight, stretch, and durability to meet the standard I knew MAPDesigns customers deserved. Believe me when I say that behind every stitch and seam lies sacrifice, hard work, tears and emptied savings accounts- all to bet on my dream.
Every setback, every sleepless night, every carefully sewn sample, they’re all threads in the lasting legacy of what MAPDesigns is destined to become.
On this journey, we’re not following a MAP—we’re designing one. One forged through resilience, and guided by an unwavering vision: to chart a new course in timeless fashion design that elevates and inspires for generations to come.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
“Saying a lot, without saying a word.”- our slogan.
MAPDesigns is a premium occasion-wear brand specializing in high-quality, timeless garments. We represent a resurgence of everyday luxury; designed for the sophisticated, confident woman whose presence speaks volumes before she ever says a word.
In an industry obsessed with fleeting trends, we champion the timeless; not just in design, but in recognizing that people, like style, are more than trends and worth is not just worn, it’s lived.
As the creative designer, my vision for MAPDesigns is bold and clear: to become a cultural cornerstone of creativity, producing pieces that inspire excellence and distinction for generations to come.
We recently celebrated our runway debut at DC Fashion Week in February. The reception was exceptional. We were humbled and thrilled by the positive reviews of our designs and brand ethos. Women connected deeply with our mission to create timeless pieces that elevate life’s most meaningful moments. We see fashion as more than just textiles; it’s a living expression of creative identity, capable of inspiring both personal growth and social progress.
Each MAPDesigns piece is crafted with intention; to be sustainable, enduring, and refined. Not merely to adorn, but to affirm. To remind the wearer of their intrinsic value, their presence, and their purpose.
We’re excited to announce that MAPDesigns will showcase its second capsule collection at a major fashion event in New York, September 2025. We invite you to follow our journey and join the MAP community on Instagram: @mapdesigns_official.
Together, we’re not just wearing fashion; we’re charting a new course in timeless design that inspires, affirms, and elevates.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Yes! Here is some food for thought:
Your relationship with failure and rejection, will determine you trajectory for success. Shake it off, and keep moving.
Closed doors and setbacks aren’t the end, they’re often divine redirection.
Take mental health breaks when needed, but don’t quit. If the signs call for a change, it’s okay to reassess your path, to start over, or even start something entirely new.
Do it scared. Don’t be afraid of being seen trying and failing. That’s courage. And it makes the story of your success all the more powerful and inspiring at the end.
Invest in yourself and develop your skills. As the founder, you are the most valuable asset your business has. The business will only rise to the level of your personal competence. Keep seeking help, there’s no shame in it. Even if people tell you no, keep seeking out the help you know you need. Sometimes all it takes is one right move to gain real momentum that accelerates your trajectory.
Celebrate the highs. Don’t “deep”/dwell in the lows. The journey of becoming is a blessing in itself, and is just as important as the destination.
Give yourself grace. Keep going. And above all, have faith in God Almighty.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mapdesigns.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapdesigns_official/
Image Credits
MAP Launch photos by : James Jones @_jamesjones_
DCFW Editorial photos by : Casey Lanigan @caseylanigan
