Maze, at its very core, is a colourful and fun lifestyle brand that is looking to champion accessories that are Sri Lankan in every way; made by Sri Lankans, in Sri Lanka, for Sri Lankans, and for anyone with an affinity for those “wonderful” machines – tuk-tuks.Now, most don’t give a second thought to a pair of socks, much less consider gifting them. However, the socks from Maze are just that, a premium product with a premium price tag that you wouldn’t be ashamed to give someone as a secret- Santa gift. Maze’s socks come in two dozen styles ranging from argyle, dots & stripes, patterned, and self-coloured totalling.
PUT A SOCK IN IT
- December ’18: Soft Launch
- January ’19: Rs100k in sales
- June ’19: Sales up and climbing at Rs200k.
What all the fuss is about
- It’s 100% Sri Lankan, from design to production.
- Use high quality combed cotton with a consistent needle count of 144 for optimum moisture control.
- All socks are pre-washed.
- One size fits all. From UK shoe size 6 to 12.
- Products have a no-slip cuff and reinforced toe, providing a comfortable hug around your feet.
It’s founder, Prabath Seneviratne, has been posed the question, “why socks?” time and again. The response to which, is simply, “socks are the last thing you consider or care about when picking the wardrobe. Every other piece of clothing is thought out in advance, but the socks you grab from whatever drawer. But socks are a fashionable way to express one’s self.”
Wearing colourful, outlandish socks that don’t necessarily match the wardrobe is a global trend. “Those who want to buy socks like these would order them online from overseas and pay crazy money to ship them. I’m catering to that demand and also to the, ‘what do I get him’?” question, says Seneviratne about his expectation that Maze socks will be sought after most as gifts for men.
You won’t see anyone step away from the cookie-cutter formula of what a respectable businessman should look like lest they get labelled a loon. Then what can a man do? Women have any number of accessories they can use to showcase their personality not limited to jewellery, handbags and shoes. But for men, save for shelling out a wallet draining amount for a wristwatch, there is nothing much else; except for socks. What was once the most disregarded piece of attire is today a symbol of self expression.
[pullquote]“THOSE WHO WANT TO BUY SOCKS LIKE THESE WOULD ORDER THEM ONLINE FROM OVERSEAS AND PAY CRAZY MONEY TO SHIP THEM[/pullquote]
Enter the sharply dressed individual prepared for an interview, nothing strange about him, perfectly presentable, and at the same time, one who blends into the sea of other similarly dressed peers; ultimately forgettable. But as they sit down, a flash of colour draws the eye, and you see them donning a pair of socks with… kokkis?Immediately, a conversation starter, a person proudly displaying homage to their culture, all the while keeping the whim
of approachability and professionalism. A cultural deep fried snack, not your thing? Go simpler with a coconut tree, or some Raaksha masks. Your ‘maes’, your choice.