Das Ist Maurice is the brainchild of intuitive abstract artist Marianne Le Cheaf. More than than childrenswear - it is wearable art designed to inspire young minds to think, feel, and imagine bravely.
Born from a desire to cloak children in courage, Das Ist Maurice invites imagination into the everyday. Each piece is constructed with intention, merging mixed media artistry with luxurious textiles, and encouraging children not only to express themselves - but to form their own opinions, speak their truths, and meet the world with confidence.
We were keen to learn more about creativity through Marianne’s lens and how she nurtures creative connection with her children, whilst giving herself permission to stay imaginative too.
Marianne very generously shared her perspective with us.
How do you explore creativity though your lens as a parent and working mother?
As a working mother, I’ve had to redefine creativity. It’s no longer a quiet, four-hour window in a studio, it’s a form of resilience. In today’s busy world, our time is often fragmented, and as mothers, we are the 'keepers' of everyone else's schedule. I’ve learned that creativity isn't something I do apart from my children, but because of them. It’s found in the messy, high-energy minutes between school runs and emails. I see my role as a 'Creative Mother' not as a title, but as a practice of finding stillness in the rush.
What’s something about creativity that people misunderstand?
People often mistake creativity for a lightning bolt, a rare, sudden moment of inspiration that strikes only when you are perfectly rested and alone. In my world, creativity is far more grit than glamour. It’s the decision to stay curious when you’re exhausted. Creativity isn't a luxury for the idle, it’s a vital, active way of processing the world, especially when that world is loud.
What do children teach you about creativity that adults forget?
Children teach us the power of 'un-learning.' As adults, we are plagued by the 'right' way to do things, the right color palette, the right composition. Children don't care about the rules of a canvas, they care about the feeling of the paint. They remind me that creativity is a form of bravery. To a child, a mistake is just a new direction. They forget to be self-conscious, and that is where the most honest art lives.
How does nurturing their creativity shape your own process?
There is a weight to nurturing a child’s imagination, a responsibility to protect their 'spark.' This shapes my design process for Das Ist Maurice because I’m not just creating garments, I’m creating tools for their bravery. In our home, I intentionally blur the lines. My studio is open, my fabrics are tactile, and art is never 'off-limits.' By building a life where my work and their play coexist, I’m showing them that creativity isn't a hobby, it’s a way of being.
What helps you stay connected to your imagination?
Ironically, it’s the physical nature of my work. When I’m deep in the textures of mixed media or feeling the weight of a textile, my brain shifts gears. I also find that the 'forced stillness' of parenting, those quiet moments when you’re finally waiting for a toddler to fall asleep, becomes a breeding ground for my best ideas. Imagination requires a bit of friction to spark, and my life provides plenty of that.
What are your top 2 Fressko’s?
If we’re being honest, my 'top' Fressko is whichever one I can find in the morning rush! But if I have to choose:
The The Camino in 'Khaki' This is my absolute favorite. It’s a deep, grounded green that feels like a rich pigment straight from one of my canvases; it has that earthy, Australian-born soul.
The Camino in 'Floss': This is the high-energy counterpart. It’s playful, vibrant, and a nod to the 'young, glorious minds' I’m designing for.
The reality of my morning? It starts with a flat white in a ceramic mug at home. I usually get exactly two sips in before the chaos of three children takes over. But the second we have to head out the door, I’m transferring that coffee straight into my Khaki Camino. I’ll be damned if I’m running the gauntlet of the school run on only two sips of caffeine. Having that Fressko in the cup holder feels like I’ve brought a small piece of intentional, beautiful design along for the ride.
Marianne’s philosophy of inspiring children to think, feel, and imagine brave resonates deeply with us, and it was an honour to bring that spirit to life through the launch of our brand new Kids Remix Range, where our little models are dressed in Das Ist Maurice - cloaked in courage, colour, and imagination.
Because at its heart, this collaboration is about more than clothing or drinkware. It’s about the worlds we create around our children - and the sparks we ignite when we give them permission to dream loudly, feel deeply, and move through life creatively
You can follow Marianne and her creative practice here