Singer Yi Mon models one of Ma May Soe’s latest designs.

MA May Soe smiles as she gazes at a magazine featuring photos of models wearing clothing that she designed. It’s a far cry from her education as a paramedic but she says she made the right decision in following her interest in fashion and design. Besides, she wants to use her profits to open a health clinic where people can get free treatment.

“I didn’t really set out to become a clothing designer but now that I’ve become one, I plan to make a successful business and open a health clinic that treats people for nothing. That is my dream,” she said.

After attending a one-year design course at Dozo dress making and fashion design school in 2005-06, Ma May Soe said she started turning her fashion ideas into reality in early 2006.

Since then she has made over 1500 dresses and her customer list includes famous models and singers like Rebecca Win, Khine Lay, Yi Mon, May Htut Khaung, May Nan Khaung, Moe Hay Man Khin, Khine Pwint, Nay Chi Lin Lei‘ and Myat Noe Chaint.

And it doesn’t end there.

“I also have a fashion column in 7 Days journal where I have a chance to display and discuss some of my designs,” she says.

Inspiration for her creations, she says, comes from international and local fashion magazines and television shows, including MTV.

“I also discuss with customers what designs they like and I think will work for them.

“For example, when I create designs for Khine Lay, I have to consider that she’s a dancer and needs dresses that will not only make her feel comfortable on stage but also leave her looking as good as possible,” Ma May Soe explains.

And despite her star-studded client list, Ma May Soe’s prices are not in the stratosphere: She charges K4000-5000 for off-the-rack day-to-day dresses and K15,000 to 50,000 for gowns for special events. Wedding dresses are pricier still — aren’t they all — and range from K50,000 to one lakh.

But she warns that advance notice of at least two weeks needs to be given for special designs like wedding dresses.

Ma May Soe has already showcased her designs at Tin Moe Lwin’s Talents & Models fashion show but the designer said she hopes to hold her own show in the near future.

Singer Yi Mon, who performs with the pop group “No”, said she decided to sample some of Ma May Soe’s designs because she found ready-made dresses boring.

“I want whatever I’m wearing to be unique and exceptional – I want to stand out.”