As small business owners, we often find ourselves creating the very things we once searched for but couldn’t find. That was certainly the case for Bibi Maher, the founder and designer behind Mad Nomad, a New Zealand-based, made-to-order clothing brand. In a recent conversation, we discussed her journey into fashion, the ethos behind her brand, and the unique approach she takes to creating clothing that is both sustainable and inclusive.
The Story Behind Mad Nomad
Bibi’s path to launching Mad Nomad was not a conventional one. Originally from Toronto, Canada, with a Hungarian background, she moved to New Zealand in 2011—arriving just weeks before the Christchurch earthquake. What was initially a temporary move became permanent, and after spending years working in corporate roles, she eventually found her way back to a long-held passion: fashion and personal styling.
Mad Nomad was born out of a personal need. While traveling New Zealand in a motorhome with her husband, she found herself struggling to find clothing that fit well, felt good, and reflected her style—especially as her body changed through perimenopause.
“I was going through perimenopause and my weight started to fluctuate. I had literally grown out of the clothes I packed, and I couldn’t find anything breathable, comfortable, and stylish. Everything in my size range seemed to be black polyester,” she explained.
Rather than settling for what was available, she decided to create what she couldn’t find.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Ethical Production
Mad Nomad’s ethos is deeply rooted in sustainability, ethical production, and quality craftsmanship. Bibi focuses on using deadstock fabrics—end-of-roll materials that would otherwise go to waste. She sources everything locally from New Zealand businesses, ensuring that her production process supports other small enterprises.
“My main focus is on quality, fit, sustainability, and ethical production. I put a lot of thought into sourcing fabrics that are certified by third parties or repurposed from excess stock. That way, we’re not contributing to the production of harmful dyes or unnecessary waste,” she said.
Since everything is made-to-order, Mad Nomad is able to offer a size range that is both flexible and inclusive. Currently, the collection caters to sizes 12 to 26, but Bibi hopes to eventually expand from size 6 to 30.
“Because everything is made-to-order, we work with individual measurements to accommodate unique proportions as much as possible,” she explained. “Our patterns are always evolving based on how the fabrics behave. Natural fibers give and change over time, so we take that into account when designing and testing each piece.”
The Reality of Small-Scale Fashion Production
Many people assume that designing a clothing line starts with creating a collection of sketches and choosing colors, but the reality of small-scale fashion in New Zealand is quite different. Designers like Bibi must work within the limits of what is available locally, often sourcing materials in small quantities.
“I can’t just put together a collection and decide on colors and prints in advance. I create a mood board for the season, but I only know what’s truly available when I start sourcing fabric. I usually buy between 10 and 30 meters at a time, which means I can only make five to eight pieces per fabric,” she shared.
This limited-run approach makes every Mad Nomad piece unique, but it also means that the business operates differently from conventional fashion brands. Instead of seasonal drops, Mad Nomad builds an ongoing catalog where styles remain available and can be made in different fabrics over time.
Style as a Form of Self-Expression
One of the standout elements of Mad Nomad is its celebration of color and print. While black and neutrals have their place, Bibi strongly believes in the power of clothing to lift a mood and express individuality.
“There are days when I just want to blend in, and I wear my neutrals. But other days, I need a boost, and that’s when I go for color and prints,” she said.
This philosophy aligns with her background in personal styling, where she helped clients find pieces that truly suited their lifestyle, personality, and body shape.
Navigating Growth as a Small Business Owner
Despite Mad Nomad’s strong brand identity, Bibi acknowledges that growing an independent fashion business comes with challenges—particularly when it comes to marketing. While social media provides visibility, she has found that in-person interactions are far more effective in generating sales.
“I do a lot better when I meet people in person at pop-ups or markets. It’s easier to connect, have a conversation, and let them try on samples. Made-to-order fashion is personal, and people appreciate the chance to be part of the process,” she said.
This approach has led her to participate in Walk Lightly, a Christchurch-based initiative supporting local designers by providing retail space in the city. Mad Nomad’s presence there has given customers an opportunity to see, feel, and experience the clothing firsthand.
A Personalized Shopping Experience
For those who can’t visit in person, Bibi offers virtual consultations to help customers find the right pieces. She is also launching a new service, the Mindful Wardrobe Edit, which blends her background in styling with her approach to slow fashion.
“I send customers a questionnaire and instructions to tidy up their wardrobe, pulling out a few go-to items they love and a few they never wear. We then go through their wardrobe together, mix and match pieces, and identify any gaps. The goal is to help them build a wardrobe that truly works for their lifestyle.”
Looking Ahead
Mad Nomad is not about chasing trends. It’s about thoughtful, well-made clothing that fits beautifully and evolves with the wearer. As Bibi continues to grow the brand, she remains committed to creating a fashion business that prioritizes ethical production, sustainability, and personal connection.
For those interested in exploring Mad Nomad’s range, Bibi’s designs can be found online at madnomad.nz, on Instagram at @madnomadapparel, or in person at Walk Lightly in Christchurch.
As small business owners, we often talk about finding our niche. Bibi has done just that—creating clothing that doesn’t just fit the body, but also fits the values of those who wear it.
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