In July 1997, Brazilian designer Mariana Meier completed her degree in Design for the Fashion Industry, at Senai Cetiqt, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. During her fashion education, Mariana learned every step of making clothes: the first ideas of a collection, the development, the production and marketing.
Having gained experience working for Brazilian womenswear luxury label Maria Bonita, at the accessories and shoes department, for 7 months. Mariana headed to Florence, heart and jewel of Italy, to perfect herself on the art of making shoes and handbags. She was privileged to live in this historic centre for two and half years learning the beautiful craftsmanship only a few steps away from the principle monuments of this artistic and cultural city.
At the Centro di Formazione Professionale, Mariana learned the entire process of making an accessory: drawing, pattern cutting, sewing, and handcrafting shoes and handbags. Besides the creation and the production, Mariana also learned marketing and business aspects of this particular industry.
Whilst studying in Florence, her work was featured in many European magazines specialized in shoes and accessories such as Moda Pelle Styling, Masters Idea Pelle and Impuls. She has been constantly referred to as one of the future promises of Italian’s fashion and design on new talent features. Mariana also exhibited her shoes and handbags at the International Leather Accessories and Trends Fair Linea Pelle in Bologna.
During her studies in Florence, she worked for some Brazilian leather companies in Europe, doing research, product development, and being their contact for the European market.
After graduating, Mariana experienced living in Zurich, Madrid and Basel, where she continued to create and develop exclusive handbags and shoes collections for a very selected public, “her family and friends”, who always supported and pushed her further.
In 2001, back in Switzerland and based in Lugano, Mariana worked for accessory luxury brand Bally as assistant designer, collaborating on the process of creation and development of handbags.
Following her dreams, Mariana decided to invest in her own accessories line for women; and in 2003 she created the label Accent Designs. The philosophy was to combine quality, design, uniqueness, comfort and exclusivity. And the name of the brand says it all; an accent is unique, personal and intimate. Each person has her/his own. An accent is also an expression of culture and dreams of each one. Likewise, Mariana’s creations “personify” the accent of each client according to colours, models and combinations that they can pick themselves. The handbags and the shoes are unique, the quantities are limited and Mariana is behind every step of the process: from the design and development to the sales on her shop.
Accent’s first shop opened in 2005 in the scenic and chic Lugano, in Switzerland. At the store, the selling is very close and personal, almost couture! The whole collection is presented, however the clients can chose the styles and pick colours and materials they want. The product is made to order according to her clients’ desires and dreams.
