MAHARISHI
(MAA·HUH·REE·SHEE) Sanskrit: Great vision
Maharishi (mahā) was founded by Hardy Blechman in 1994 with a vision to create environmentally conscious, durable, utilitarian clothing. Drawing from a deep respect for nature, it uses sustainable materials like hemp, organic cotton, and upcycled military fabrics, seamlessly blending them with innovative design and utilising the latest technology.
Collections explore the dualistic nature of the universe, often combining Eastern and Western artistic influences. This is also expressed in the fusion of high-visibility elements with traditional camouflage patterns, reflecting a pacifist reinterpretation of military aesthetics. Maharishi seeks to detach camouflage from its associations with war, instead promoting its roots in nature and development by artists.
At its core, Maharishi is committed to longevity and sustainability and therefore offers a free lifetime repair service for all its garments, ensuring that each piece lasts and maintains its value and utility over time.
PACIFIST MILITARY DESIGN
Maha’s vision is rooted in a respect for nature whilst also reimagining military design from a pacifist perspective - repurposing classic military motifs and systems, emphasising their utilitarian and artistic value rather than their association with war.
This design ethos is reflected in Maharishi’s exploration of camouflage and its use of DPM’s (disruptive pattern material), which reinterpret camouflage by detaching it from its military origins and highlighting its artistic and cultural value. These patterns often blend natural or symbolic imagery, turning a tool of war into a medium for peace.
Since 1996, when Maharishi depleted all remaining stocks of surplus 1980’s U.S. Army Snow Camouflage Over Trousers, they have produced a version, which includes over 10 original features on a streamlined silhouette, the Maharishi Original Snopant®.
RESPECT NATURE / UTILISE TECHNOLOGY
Maharishi's brand pillar of Respect Nature/Utilise Technology highlights a balance between sustainability and innovation. This dual approach reflects the brand's commitment to being eco-conscious while embracing technological advancements.
Maharishi promotes the use of organic materials and sustainable practices, ensuring minimal environmental impact. At the same time, by utilising technology, it innovates with cutting-edge processes that improve efficiency and reduce waste, blending traditional values with modern solutions.
DUALITY
Duality lies at the core of Maharishi’s design philosophy, expressed through the fusion of seemingly contrasting elements. It blends Eastern and Western influences, merging traditional motifs with modern silhouettes to explore dualistic balance.
Duality is further explored through design elements like high-visibility camouflage, which juxtaposes the notion of concealment with the bold statement of visibility, and the re-appropriation of military references for a peaceful, and therefore opposing, purpose.
Maharishi's choice of collaborations also reflects duality. Seemingly opposing forces—such as streetwear and high fashion, or Eastern and Western influences— blend into unified, thought-provoking creative expressions.
THE ART OF WAR
The Art of War is a creative play on the ancient Chinese strategic text of the same name by Sun Tzu. Drawing inspiration from the aesthetics of military uniforms, camouflage, and tactical gear, Maharishi celebrates the visual language of war while remaining firmly rooted in peace.
These elements are used not to glorify conflict, but to explore the beauty of structure, discipline, and form in design, transforming the harshness of warfare into a peaceful artistic expression.
MAHA TAILOR SHOP
Maha Tailor Shop describes Maharishi’s annually repeated capsule collection inspired by the vibrant tailor shops that flourished in Vietnam during the 1960s, where the need for tailoring grew rapidly due to the influx of 3 million U.S. Army servicemen.
The Maha Tailor Shop has honed its expertise in uniform modifications, reproductions, as well as small-batch Tigerstripe and camouflage printing. Additionally, it produces unit badges, insignia, and nametapes, along with souvenirs such as Zippo lighters and embroidered tour jackets.
