Mad Nomad

In Founder Focus we introduce entrepreneurs and change-makers working on innovative startups, social enterprises and SME’s around Aotearoa New Zealand.

At a glance

Founder: Bibi Maber

Business: Mad Nomad

Founded: Canterbury

HQ: 2023

Can you tell us a bit about your business?

For women who want to wear clothing that makes a statement and has a story, Mad Nomad offers made-to-order garments that reflect individuality and purpose. A New Zealand-based ethical brand, we specialise in sizes 14-24, creating statement-making staples that balance edge with elegance, quality, and fit. Our customers are looking for a more meaningful connection to their clothing and appreciate knowing where and how it’s made.

At Mad Nomad, we prioritise mindful practices, from thoughtful fabric sourcing to minimising waste with our made-to-order model. By working mainly with natural fabrics, we offer a rare option for sizes often limited to synthetic materials, giving our customers high-quality, breathable garments. We also invite customers to follow along in the making process on socials, creating a sense of ownership with every piece, and encouraging a more conscious approach to fashion.

What’s the backstory for your business idea?

As a child, my grandmother took me to a dressmaking shop, letting me pick out any fabric I wanted, which she then made into a very cool outfit just for me. This was my first taste of fashion as self-expression! Nearly 40 years later, while navigating New Zealand and weight fluctuations during perimenopause, I struggled to find comfortable, breathable clothing that fit my style.

These experiences inspired me to launch Mad Nomad, offering made-to-order garments for women sizes 14-24. Made in New Zealand, our clothing reflects my commitment to supporting local businesses and creating quality pieces that empower women to feel confident, authentic, and connected to their clothing.

What programmes, learning or mentoring, or resources have been of assistance so far?

My background in personal styling has been a huge part of my approach to Mad Nomad. It’s given me a strong sense of what works well for different body types and how pieces come together in real life. I’m incredibly lucky to work with a highly skilled local maker who understands my design concepts and transforms them into patterns and samples, and a fabric sourcer who brings deep knowledge of materials. Both are brilliant at listening and offering insights that support my vision.
Beyond personal connections, I’ve been fired up by documentaries on the fashion industry’s impact, which keep me focused on building Mad Nomad as consciously as possible. I’ve also worked with Australian slow fashion mentor Claire Goldsworthy, “The Fashion Advocate,” whose guidance and Slow Fashion Circle membership have been golden, offering practical strategies for sustainability.
Additionally, I joined “She Owns It,” an online community for NZ women business owners, offering invaluable support through their Facebook group, monthly calls and virtual co-working sessions. I also participated in a B Corp cohort with “Grow Good” to prepare for future certification, helping me integrate these standards into Mad Nomad’s processes from the start.
Finally, a lot of this journey has been trial and error, learning as I go to make Mad Nomad everything I believe it can be.