Journal 85: Interview with Mariola Leal

Mariola Leal is the founder of Muamuà Maison, a Madrid-based brand that reflects her personal vision of fashion, creativity, and lifestyle. Through the brand, Mariola has developed a concept with its own distinct identity, transforming her aesthetic sensibility and her approach to fashion into a business venture.

What personal or professional experiences led you to choose children’s fashion rather than another creative field?

“I’ve always had a very special sensitivity towards fashion. Even when I was very young, I would pay attention to how people dressed… but never in a critical way. I’ve always thought that everyone has their own style and that we can all make much more of it. I consider myself quite a girly girl, and I love looking beautiful for myself. I think that when you feel good about yourself and like what you see, other people notice it too. Muamuà Maison was born in 2019. I had a three-year-old daughter at the time, and I couldn’t find a brand that reflected my identity. So my school friend Teresa and I founded it, and I’m certain it was the right decision. We have so much fun, and it has become such a big part of our lives.”

How do you balance the creative side with the more business-oriented side of the project?

“The key to Muamuà Maison’s success lies in the balance between Teresa and me. We are very different and complement each other perfectly. I wouldn’t divide it so much into the creative and business sides, because I feel I have a little bit of both.”

What does dressing childhood mean to you?

“For me, childhood is the foundation of everything. It’s the stage of life when you learn the most, when everything is stored away in a magical little box that you never forget. Dressing childhood means dressing some of the most innocent and happiest moments you will ever experience—or at least, that’s what we try to do.”

What inspires you when you design?

“I love 1960s fashion and classic patterns. I like taking that timeless dress and combining it with fabrics that aren’t necessarily associated with children. Colours that don’t have to be pink, blue, or yellow. I think our identity is based on choosing prints that no one else would normally choose, but that work wonderfully with a classic bow dress or smocked design.”

What would your perfect Cayumas look like?

“I pay a lot of attention to colours, textures, and fabrics. I think Cayumas in general complement all three of these elements really well. I would probably choose a pair in neutral tones so that I could combine them with fun prints, and another pair that’s a little more colourful—so, a bit of everything.”

How important are shoes in your everyday life?

“For me, shoes are the finishing touch to a perfect look. I’m one of those people who believes that shoes can elevate an outfit enormously, just as easily as they can ruin the best look. I admit I have a serious obsession with this. Haha.”

What place in the world would you like to explore wearing your Friulane?

“I would absolutely love to take my Cayumas to India, without a doubt.”