Maria Cunier
Step into the timeless allure of sophisticated elegance with the GMARO Magazine Special Edition Vol. 40 March 2025! Styled, directed, and graced by the visionary Maria Cunier, captured by the lens of Victor Pickens, this issue embodies the essence of modern dandyism: refined yet playful, structured yet avant-garde.
Maria shares her secrets to runway confidence—daily meditation, affirmations, exercise, and impeccable self-care—and reveals how storytelling and authenticity define her iconic styling aesthetic. Embrace empowerment, versatility, and authenticity. Discover fashion that speaks, inspires, and transforms.
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Cover Model / Wardrobe Stylist / Creative Director - Maria Cunier @mcunier
Photographer - Victor Pickens @vpickensphoto
Muah - Emma Genera @emmageneramua
Assistant Photographer - Eric Johnson @erjohn_photography
How do you prepare mentally and physically for a major runway show or editorial shoot?
I practice daily meditation, I love to pray and I daily affirmations, I am exercise almost daily, building strength through a daily exercise builds more confidence, a eat a very healthy diet and I do regularly beauty treatments so my skin looks good.
In your opinion, what distinguishes a great model from a good one?
A great model is a storyteller, brings a unique energy to the shoot and having a signature style.
A good model follows instructions and look good in pictures.
How do you define your styling aesthetic, and how has it evolved over the years?
My Signature Aesthetic its balance between structured sophistication and avant- garde creativity. I often incorporates statement pieces, sharp tailoring, and unexpected textures, making my styling both visually compelling and conceptually strong. my aesthetic now blends high fashion with a deep understanding of personal branding, helping develop a powerful, cohesive image.
When styling a client, what are the key elements you consider before curating their look?
Understanding client identity and needs.
Have you ever had to improvise on set due to a last-minute wardrobe malfunction? How did you handle it?
Many times but for me it is part of the fun. I always come over prepared with extra pieces and tools that allow me to fix and improvise easily because it is very important to move fast on set.
What are the most common fashion mistakes people make, and how can they be avoided?
Wearing clothes are too tight or too loose, to avoid is known as your body and proportions.
How do you help clients build a wardrobe that aligns with their personal brand and lifestyle?
It requires me to build strategic planning to ensure every piece reflects their identity, values, and daily needs.
How does fashion impact confidence, and what advice do you have for those struggling to find their style?
Fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression and empowerment. The way we dress influences how we feel about ourselves and how others perceive us.
Consider what you feel most the yourself.
Fashion should empower you, not make you feel uncomfortable. If an outfit makes you self-conscious, it's not the right fit for you.
What's the first thing you notice when assessing someone's overall image?
How much they don’t know themselves, external and interior. Sometimes I became a therapist because I make them to learn about themselves through clothes.
What role does storytelling play in your work as a Creative Director?
Storytelling is everything of creative direction, transforming visuals, styling, and branding into a cohesive narrative that captivates audiences. It plays a crucial role in shaping emotions, brand identity, and audience engagement.
How do you collaborate with designers, photographers, and models to bring your vision to life?
I collaborate with designers, photographers, and models by combining my deep understanding of fashion with a creative storytelling approach, My ability to bring together different artistic talents allows me to create visually striking campaigns, runway presentations, and editorial shoots, ensuring that each collaboration results in a cohesive and powerful fashion statement.
How do you juggle multiple roles in the fashion industry while maintaining a strong personal brand?
By leveraging my experience and unique perspective on style. Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, exposed me to diverse cultures, which shaped my approach to fashion as a means of expression, whether they are celebrities or everyday individuals, ensuring that their style aligns with their personal and professional image. This adaptability and expertise have helped me maintain a strong personal brand while excelling in various aspects of the industry.
How do you handle criticism in such a visually driven and sometimes harsh?
Staying true to my creative direction while embracing feedback that enhances my work. I don’t hear things are not positive, things that will not help my growth.
If you had to describe your fashion philosophy in three words, what would they be?
Empowerment, Versatility and authenticity.
