FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUTY
British Fashion Designer, Isabel Manns, on starting a fashion label
What inspired you to start-up? I saw a gap in the market for good quality, British made silk clothing. Often people want a high quality dress, but can’t justify the expense, which is how the concept of reversible clothing developed. With my brand, customers get two outfits in one. What’s been your biggest challenge? Persuading UK factories that it was possible to make fully reversible silk clothing when I first started! What’s been your most exciting moment? Getting the email from Wolf & Badger saying they wanted to stock us. Why have you kept production in Britain? I think it’s a real shame that our world famous textile industry has been in decline and I want to support British industry. It’s also much easier to control the quality, as I can meet suppliers and manufacturers in person. Where do you get inspiration for your prints? Mainly from English gardens but for my current collection it came from aerial landscape shots. 1 7 4 J U LY 2 0 1 9
Who is your typical customer? We don’t have a typical customer. We take pride in creating clothing that suits everyone, from teenagers to glam grans. The thing that unites them is their appreciation for quality and style. How do you see the brand developing? For our next collection, expect to see a lot of florals and feminine silhouettes! We’re going to be involved with London fashion week, so that’s really exciting. What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received? Never give up and keep your eye on the finances! How did you start your own fashion brand? Parsons in New York was invaluable in giving me the necessary technical skills. I interned with multiple designers and learnt so much about the running of a business. After graduating I worked for Alexandra Vidal in New York. She really took me under her wing and taught me everything, from high-end production to managing the finances. www.isabelmanns.com Photographs: Charlie Cluff, Austin Gill, Xenia Littler Models: Layla Harris, Bella Hill
“For our next collection, expect to see a lot of florals and feminine silhouettes! We’re going to be involved with London fashion week, so that’s really exciting”