Biography – Maryam Owji

Early Life 1956-1976

Maryam Owji was born in 1956 in Shiraz, Iran. She grew up immersed in Persian culture with two brothers and two sisters and her loving parents.

Maryam’s interest and love for the arts began at the age of four, sparked by learning the logic and mathematical rationale behind carpet weaving and embroidery.

Expanding her horizons further, she began exploring other art forms and has since honed her craft through drawing, design, painting, couture garment making, poetry, jewelry making, and creative filmmaking.

At the age of 18, Maryam studied art and design while also working for the British Standard Chartered Bank in Shiraz as a computer operator — reflecting her continued interest in both the arts and science/technology. In 1976 Maryam graduated at the top of her class from Khayyam Institute of Art and design in Shiraz.

Journalism Era 1976-1980

Following her graduation she moved to the United Kingdom, where she studied journalism and art in London. At the same time, she was working for a weekly magazine ‘Iran Shahr’ under editor Ahmad Shamloo (who was also a poet and writer); this ignited her love for the written word and humanitarian work.

Couture Era 1980-2000

Maryam spent the early 80s traveling the world; through her travels she became inspired by the connection between the mathematical planning and artistic expression involved in fashion design. Keen to discover more about the art form she decided to stay in Paris to study French Couture and learn more about the world of bespoke fashion design. Once her studies were completed, she spent 18 months in Iran teaching at a couture school while working for the German embassy as a computer operator for the Irano-German chamber of commerce — again striking a balance between the arts and sciences.

In 1984 Maryam decided to move back to London and in 1986 she opened her debut couture atelier ‘Maryam Rokny’ at 51 Beecham Place in London.

Very quickly she made a name for herself, first solidifying her place in London’s couture fashion scene, then globally. Soon her growing clientele became too much to handle on her own. Therefore, following her success as a solo couture fashion designer and dressmaker, in 1990 she joined forces with Katy Kass, opening ‘Maryam and Katy Couture’ at 55 Beecham Place.

For over a decade Maryam designed and created one-of-a-kind bespoke dresses for her dedicated clientele — which predominantly included prominent members of high society and royalty. Notable among them were the likes of Britt Ekland, the Baroness of Portanova, and Hollywood legend Dame Joan Collins; Maryam worked particularly closely with Collins, creating numerous custom looks for the star throughout her career.

Maryam specialized in creating couture with the finest materials and precious embellishments, such as pearls, jade, and real gold thread. Her pieces would take between six to twelve weeks to be created, if not more, and were all finished meticulously by hand. No two pieces were ever the same, all of her work was one-of-one, regardless of client requests for otherwise!

However, despite her immense success, in 2000 Maryam found herself itching to enter a new chapter, and decided to close her atelier to pursue new forms of art and humanitarian work. Overall, throughout her years and a couturier, Maryam created approximately 140 one-of-a-kind bespoke pieces — leaving a lasting legacy in the fashion world and with her loving clients.

Art and Activism Era 2000s

Maryam immersed herself into the creative world exploring painting and other art forms, through which she discovered a love for creating sculptures, writing poetry, and shooting films. She also continued to explore the intermingling of science and art as a reflection of humanity and the human experience.

During this time Maryam also became a humanitarian activist fighting against war, slavery, and crimes against humanity. This activism is seen reflected in her work, which carries many overlapping themes throughout. Her activism led her to become a member of the IHEU (International Humanist and Ethical Union) working as a researcher and journalist, writing in support of human rights. She also spoke at the United Nations’ 2013 Human Rights Summit in Geneva; her speech was so impactful she was invited back in 2014, and again in 2024.

Maryam continued to amplify her studies and education alongside her art and activism. In 2004 she studied in Filmmaking at French Institute under Abbas Kiarostmai. In 2008 Maryam earned an MA in Art and Graphic Design from University of Arts London.

Then in 2021 she started studying Neuroscience at King’s College London. Through the course she aimed to understand the inner workings of the brain and its connection to art and lived experience. She graduated with a Masters Degree in 2024, and continues to apply her knowledge throughout her work — both as an artist and a humanitarian.

Present Era

Maryam is living in Switzerland with her husband Philippe Linder. Together they founded The International Art Club Switzerland, an international art association that aims to connect artists and supporting communities to promote art and culture.

Maryam is also the International Art Association‘s Creative Director; which is an organization that supports collaborations between international artists and philosophers to promote art, put on exhibitions, and share poetic creative documentary films.

Through the organization Maryam helps connect artists and promote their work to amplify Swiss Culture and preserve artistry and the exchange of views and creative expression.

To this day, Maryam continues to express herself through her artwork and humanitarian work.