How Maya Avery Brought Her Manifestations to Life

The New York designer behind Insignia MSA represents futurism and modernism.

Insignia MSA’s Zhora Maxi Skirt, photographed by Stephany David, modeled by lo.meii

The definition of the word ‘insignia’ is a distinguishing emblem or symbol to signify honor or recognition. Maya Avery, founder of Insignia MSA, wants wearers to feel like they’ve achieved their best selves in every garment. Born and raised in upstate New York, Avery is committed to handcrafting futuristic pieces with a modern twist, like dresses, hoodies, hoods, scarves, tank tops, and more. She began designing in 2019 during her first year at Howard University, studying biology. She wanted to combat fast fashion by making all her garments in-house and by hand. Avery spoke to 1202 MAGAZINE on Insignia MSA’s purpose and the future of the brand.

When did you start designing, and what inspired you to start?

I was gifted a sewing machine as a kid and would try to make clothing for my dolls, but that was as far as it went until my first year of college. I think after meeting my boyfriend Israel and being around him designing, I decided to try it out again, and over winter break, I was cutting up old clothing and upcycling them. I then began tracing clothes to learn how they were constructed and making patterns from them to make my version. That's how I learned to design and develop my skills. A lot of trial and error along with the help of YouTube! 

Why did you choose to name the brand Insignia MSA?

I had started my brand without a name as I was selling clothes out of my dorm room, but one day, I was high, and I looked at the TV, which happened to be made by Insignia (technology), and I looked up what Insignia meant. I resonated with the meaning and added my initials, MSA, to that. The literal meaning of an Insignia is a distinguishing emblem or symbol worn to show someone has achieved a high level of excellence or recognition. While wearing Insignia MSA, I want people to feel they have reached their highest level of true and best self. 

What’s your design process for handcrafting garments?

When creating, I usually try to let the ideas come to me naturally rather than force myself to sit down and think about creating. I design based on what I would like to wear and can’t find anywhere else. I usually sketch on my phone or iPad, then buy fabric or use extra fabric I have to make a sample of the piece. Sometimes, I even get a vision for a design after seeing a fabric first.

Insignia MSA’s Acid Zip and Mini Skirt, photographed by Stephany David, modeled by lo.meii

Describe some of your favorite pieces and what they mean to you. 

Some of my favorite pieces are probably the Shredded and Jedi pieces because those were the first pieces that I went out of my comfort zone to express my vision rather than making clothing to please other people or that I think people would want. I was designing strictly for me and let go of the fear and limiting beliefs of “what if no one buys or likes it.” Those are my best-selling products and have helped me grow my brand to where it is now.

Many notable people have worn Insignia MSA. How does that make you feel, and who else do you want to see in the clothes?

I’m extremely grateful for everyone who supports and wants to wear Insignia, but I don’t necessarily obsess over celebrities in my clothing, even though it's cool to see. I want people wearing Insignia who are just cool asf and living to express their true selves, doesn’t matter their social status. But it would be nice to see Julia Fox, Rico Nasty, Yves Tumor, Bella Hadid, Tweaks, and Babyxsosa wearing my clothing. I think they’re authentic, I respect their artistry, and they fit the vibe…and random, but maybe Bjork.

What can people expect from the brand soon?

I’ve been in production mode as I started my brand initially as a side hustle to support myself in college, but it’s become so much bigger than that. I graduated in May and want to move forward, focusing more on creating more as an artist. I want to be more experimental with design and make things that have meaning to impact people and their perspective on fashion. I’m currently working on developing my vision for the future of Insignia. 

What are some things you want to achieve within the next few years for Insignia MSA?

In the next few years, I want to have my first independent fashion show, possibly during fashion week, develop a line of sustainable and eco-friendly basics, design accessories, and have more in-person events for people to experience the world of Insignia MSA.