Orland Woman Turns Passion For Fashion Into Chic, Modest Line

ORLAND PARK IL, — Ever since Danya Marou was a kid, she had a passion for fashion. From taking sewing classes in high school, to creating her own pieces that would receive endless compliments, the Orland Park reside t always knew she wanted to create her very own fashion line.

The 22-year-old hijab-wearing Muslim woman created her brand, DANYA MAROU, after graduating from Columbia College Chicago in December 2019. The designer received her degree in fashion design, and minored in fashion business.

The designer brand DANYA MAROU is described as luxurious, modest and chic, by Marou herself, and is online exclusive.

Although Marou could have worked for any fashion brand as a designer, she always dreamed of creating her very own luxurious modest fashion brand.

"Modest fashion is a particular fashion style where one chooses to cover up more," Marou said. "Modest fashion is inclusive, I wanted to start this brand for the modest community. There is so much that can be done and so much to offer. I have a lot of ideas."

In July 2020, the DANYA MAROU Summer Dreams Collection was released. The collection featured three luxurious conservative robes: Crystal waves off the shoulder robe, feather cloud short robe and sunset glow sequins robe.

"I love all the pieces, but the crystal waves off the shoulder robe is my favorite," she said. "It is truly a design you won't find anywhere else."

The launch of this collection was a success that gained Marou over 3,000 followers on Instagram in a short period of time.

"I am really overwhelmed with the love I have been getting. I didn't plan on releasing a collection this summer but I decided to give people a sneak peek into what's to come this fall."

Marou doesn't just design her clothing, she is a one woman show. The designer spends months planning, developing and designing; while also looking for inspiration. She does all photography, videography and editing herself, alongside promotions, on the brand's Instagram.

Although Marou is having a successful start, she tells others interested in creating their own line to take their time because it takes a lot more effort that you may realize.

"Don't rush into it and don't start right away," she said. "It is a big deal and something you should really take the time to develop. It's your own brand."

Marou also says that in order to be successful in creating a brand, you need to constantly be a problem solver.

"You need to be good at problem-solving in fashion. It is all so fast-paced and there is hardly any time. If you don't keep up with bumps in the road you will be so behind."

The modest fashion designer touched on the controversy surrounding fast fashion, a method use by some brands, where clothing is produced by individuals with low income all over the world, with little to no wages as a result.

"My clothes are ethically made. Fast fashion is when major brands produce cheap clothing in third world countries, and give horrible wages," Marou said. "I produce my work in America, and production has fair wages, in a safe work environment. I never want to be a brand that doesn't care about their workers. It is another reason I wanted to get into fashion."

Marou is excited to be releasing her fall collection with many more pieces in the next few months. She said new things are coming like none other before, teasing she may have more than just robes coming our way.

"Expect way more styles and color variety. I have more causal as well as fancy pieces in this collection," she said. "I am very excited for the launch of the collection, and I can't wait to see what everyone thinks."

To learn more about DANYA MAROU visit the website. To follow the brand on Instagram for clothing tips and to view a portfolio of work to come, click here.