Maria Costake

Artist and Botanical Illustrator

I am a visual artist specializing in botanical illustration. I hold both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Graphic Arts from the National University of Arts in Bucharest, and I am currently pursuing the Diploma Course offered by the Society of Botanical Artists in the United Kingdom.

For me, botanical art goes beyond the observation and depiction of nature. Flowers and plants have become a visual language through which I explore profound themes such as fragility, solitude, the passage of time, and the human condition. I believe nature offers the most beautiful metaphor through which we can reflect on life.

From Art to Silk

The Maria Costake brand was born from a desire to bring art closer to people. I started with a simple square and chose natural silk as the canvas for my botanical illustrations.

This is how the first Maria Costake silk scarves came to life, pieces that exist at the intersection of art and fashion design. To me, a silk scarf is a multisensory experience: you can admire the details of the painting, feel the softness of the fabric, hear its delicate rustle, and almost imagine the fragrance of the flowers depicted on it.

Over time, the collections have evolved, combining botanical elements with unexpected details, from jewelry and precious gemstones to ornaments inspired by Mediterranean ceramics. The brand's universe has also expanded to include limited-edition collections crafted from cashmere and other natural fibers, as well as collaborations with other brands.

Authenticity in Every Detail

What defines my creations is the artistic process behind each print. Every element is hand-painted in watercolor or drawn in pencil on paper before being transferred onto fabric.

To preserve the transparency of the colors, the granulation of the pigments, and the distinctive texture of watercolor, each painting is scanned at an exceptionally high resolution, individually refined, and incorporated into intricate botanical compositions.

In an age of digitally generated imagery, I believe this traditional artistic process gives each piece authenticity and a distinctive artistic identity.

Quality and Craftsmanship

My vision has always been to create premium pieces that transcend fleeting trends and remain treasured wardrobe essentials for years to come. That is why all my silk scarves are printed in Italy, in the Como region, renowned for its rich heritage and exceptional craftsmanship in silk production.

I use high-quality natural silk, including 12-momme silk, which allows colors to be beautifully reproduced on both sides of the fabric. I pay meticulous attention to every detail, from the fidelity of the prints to the refinement of the finishing touches.

My background in graphic arts has enabled me to build the brand's entire visual identity myself, from the original illustrations and collection designs to packaging and web design. Every element reflects the same artistic vision and dedication to detail.

I see the Maria Costake brand as a natural extension of my artistic practice, a universe where art, nature, and design come together.

Whatever form it takes, every creation begins with the same belief: art is not simply meant to be admired, but to be experienced, touched, and worn.