Mary Martin is an internationally celebrated British fashion designer and founder of Mary Martin London, renowned for her bold couture pieces that blend African heritage with British elegance. Her designs have been featured at Africa Fashion Week London, on celebrity red carpets, and in global press. She is recognised not just for her artistry, but for her extraordinary life story of resilience, reinvention and triumph against the odds. Her work, including the viral “Cecil the Lion” gown and a David Bowie tribute collection, has been featured by BBC, Elle, The Telegraph, HuffPost and more, cementing her reputation as a fearless creative force in fashion.
Born in Cardiff, South Wales, Mary spent her early years in the John Cain Children’s Home in Wales. Leaving the care system unable to read or write, she faced a world that offered her little opportunity. Her early life was marked by hardship, but also by a spark of creativity inherited from her mother, a skilled sewer. By watching her, Mary learned to make her own outfits, developing a natural eye for design. Moving to London in the 1980s, she immersed herself in the vibrant fashion and music scene, first working as a singer and artist manager before returning to her lifelong passion for clothing design.
In 2014, determined to reclaim her education, Mary began learning to read and write at adult learning centres. Her determination led her to the London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA) and then directly into a degree at the University of East London (UEL), where she graduated with honours in Fashion Textiles. With no formal industry background or connections, she built Mary Martin London from the ground up, winning awards including the Mercedes Benz Best African Designer (2015) and the IAAA Fashion Icon Award (2018).
Today, Mary continues to produce collections that challenge convention and celebrate identity, from "The Queen of Africa" to "The Hidden Queen," as well as conceptual work inspired by history and social change. She made history by being the first woman of colour to stage a fashion shoot inside the UK Foreign Office, drawing inspiration from Ignatius Sancho to explore themes of representation and the legacy of the slave trade.
Mary is celebrated as much for her personal journey as for her designs. She is invited to speak at fashion, cultural and academic events, inspiring audiences with her message that it is never too late to transform your life. Her work remains a vivid testament to creativity, courage, and the power of self-belief.
"Mary Martin London was invited as part of Taylor Wimpey’s celebration of Black History Month 2021 to give an online talk to the PLC staff followed by a questions and answers session. We chose Mary as an inspirational figure from the creative industries and also as a leading example of entrepreneurship. Mary took us on a journey from how her interest in fashion and technical skills in clothes making began in childhood, through later events in her life, her adult education, and how she emerged from being a student to forming her eponymous fashion art company. In the context of Black History Month, Mary also shared personal experiences of her challenges and successes along the way to becoming a commercially successful and critically acclaimed fashion artist. She also gave a live demonstration of how to make clothes using hand-drawn patterns. Mary provided an international context to her work by discussing her overseas shows and exhibitions. Mary’s dynamic and informative talk was very well received by all attendees who all appreciated learning more about both Mary and her work. We were very privileged to host Mary Martin London and look forward to hearing about her continuing success as her brand grows and develops even further." - Stuart, Head of Planning, Taylor Wimpey
"Mary Martin London gave a talk to the African and Caribbean Heritage Guides at the V&A Museum. Mary's talk took us on a journey through childhood to the fashion artist /designer that she is today; Her transformation from a ‘mature’ fledgling fashion student to the fashion artist that now produces extraordinary works of fashion art for worldwide fashion runways and for couture designs for her celebrity clientele. I personally found Mary's talk to be inspirational. She spoke a narrative that was encouraging with an honesty that recognised the challenges of her personal and professional experiences. We look forward to seeing and hearing more of Mary Martin at the V&A in the future." - Kim, African & Caribbean Heritage Guide, V&A
"I found Mary London's personal account of her journey both moving and inspirational. Mary shared insight, determination and strength. This was evident in her creativity. I feel that Mary's work will continue to gain increased exposure in the UK. It's a great testimony to Mary's work for the accolades she has already received." - Nkechi, African Heritage Guide
"Mary Martin did the opening for Lewisham Council's Black History Month event. Her models displayed her current collection, which was amazing. Mary gave a presentation and talked about her childhood, adult education and her journey into fashion. Mary's story is an inspiration for all. Her rise through adversity to become an established designer shows her passion and hard work. She is a role model for all." - Andre, Cabinet Member for Culture, London Borough of Lewisham
- 2025 – Knighted as a Dame of the Order of St. George (OSTG) for her services to fashion, community, and cross-cultural leadership
- 2024 – Crowned Queen in Mafi Amfoe, Volta Region, Ghana, for her cultural and philanthropic contributions
- 2023 – Honoured with Mary Martin Appreciation Day by Fulton County, Georgia, USA
- 2019 - Awarded Best Fashion Designer (Scotland)
- 2018 - Awarded the IAAA Fashion Icon Award
- 2018 - Awarded the Special Inspirational Award, Birmingham
- 2015 - Awarded the Special Fashion Inspirational Award
- 2015 - Awarded the Mercedes Benz Best African Designer BEFFTA
How to hire Dame Mary Martin
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Dame Mary Martin for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do NOT accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
