Since its birth in 1994, maharishi has evolved into one of the UK’s most influential designer labels, offering men’s, women’s and children’s collections available from exclusive fashion retailers worldwide. Founded by (creative director) Hardy Blechman, maharishi carries a strong ethos of respect for nature while utilising the latest technology.

Blechman, whose former experience lay in the international military and industrial clothing surplus trade, started maharishi by producing hemp and other natural fibre clothing as well as recycling workwear and military surplus. In fact, his work in the field of natural fibres helped them to gain wider acceptance among larger commercial fashion retailers. In 1995, Blechman designed and launched Snopants® – an original design concept with unique detailing that became a significant style statement and the label’s signature. Arena Homme Plus described them in their Millennium round-up as “the most copied pants of the decade” and into the 21st century Snopants® have formed the basis of the evolution of a new style of dressing.

The high concept flagship store located at 19 Floral Street, Covent Garden, London opened in September 2001. Designed by architect François Scali, the space cleverly achieves a combination of nature and technology. In addition to clothing collections, the store offers reference and art books alongside rare Japanese toys. The store also houses the Churchill Gallery, where exhibitions are staged of works by maharishi collaborators and guest artists. Henry Chalfant, legendary graffiti archivist (author of Subway Art, Spraycan Art and the documentary Style Wars), staged his first UK exhibition here.