Designer Files | Isabel Manns
New in this interview segment we speak to sustainable fashion designer Isabel Manns about her eponymoualy labeled brand. Please read on for the insightful answers.
1. Why sustainable fashion?
The fashion industry is one of the most unsustainable industries as we contribute huge quantities to landfill and the manufacturing process of fabrics often require harsh chemicals that are bad for the environment. However, the industry is now going to great lengths to try to become more sustainable and our aim is to be at the forefront of this change.
2. How do you keep sustainability in mind when designing the innovative?
When I start sketching a design I am always thinking about how the pieces will be laid out on the fabric and how much fabric waste there may be.
When I paint our prints I ensure that the designs can be placed and cut in any direction so that we can keep fabric waste to a minimum.
3. Tell us about the process of producing your reversible designs.
It is a lot more complicated than people think. We have our reversible zips custom made, we have to choose similar or the same fabrics for both reverse sides and the construction of the clothing is more time consuming and requires a lot more patience when sewing. Any reversible dresses or skirts also have to be hung overnight before they can be hemmed, to ensure that both sides are the same length.
4. Function or form? What is more important to you?
Function. Our clothing is timeless and most importantly comfortable. We intend for them to be worn from the day into the evening and throughout all seasons.
5. Who is the Isabel Manns woman?
A woman who loves colour and is not afraid of print. They have a busy lifestyle and prefer to buy items that they can wear in multiple ways for many years to come. They appreciate quality and uniqueness and that the items are British and sustainably made.
6. What’s currently on your moodboard inspiring your work?
I have just started to think about our next collection. I am wanting to incorporate more fabrics into this collection such as wools, sustainable stretch fabrics and possible also knits. In terms of inspiration on my mood board, I will let you know when I start it!
7. Your favourite design to date?
Our Reversible Patricia Dress. It’s one of the most comfortable dresses I have worn and I love how you can wear it in up to 10 different ways by simply reversing the dress, styling the belt in different ways and tying the neck tie and the front or back. We also only make two different sizes as it’s a dress that fits and suits all.
8. One sustainable fashion tip?
Think before you buy. If you arn’t sure how often you will wear something then don’t buy it. Instead, buy better quality and locally made items that you can style in multiple different ways and that you are certain you will wear for years to come.
9. We are buying one piece from you. What should we get?
Our Reversible Sophie halter neck top. Some people, including myself think that they don’t suit a halter neck style top like ours. However, we find that this top suits so many different people and I even love wearing it too. You can dress it down with jeans or dress it up with a skirt or trousers. You can tie the neck tie at the front or back and reverse it to the plain side for a more muted look.
10. Finish the sentence. Slow fashion is…
about purchasing timeless items that will be in your wardrobe for a long time and that are sustainably and ethically made.
We love Isabel Manns. We love her ethos and clothes. We love that we can all be more sustainable by championing her work and wearing her reversible garments.
Discover more about this brand here. Kind thanks to Isabel for the interview.