Mani Jassal is a Toronto based fashion designer whose pieces are inspired by her Indian heritage and Canadian roots. The use of unorthodox cuts and design choices sets her brand apart.
Isha Singh: How did you get into the fashion industry? Mani Jassal: I always wanted to be an artist, but around 11 years old I decided I had this epiphany that I wasn’t going to make money as an artist so I said let me get into fashion and started to dream about becoming a fashion designer. I would always have my sketchbook with me and I got still be the artist I aspired to be! IS: Who were your inspirations growing up? MJ: My mother, who is a seamstress, inspired me; and now she is the production manager at Mani Jassal! When we immigrated to Canada she would make clothes at home and I learnt how to sew from her. So it’s amazing to have my mother beside me, she is one of my biggest pillars.To have someone on my side that is super supportive and that encourages me to keep going even on days that I feel like giving up. IS: Did you get backlash when you decided that you wanted to be a fashion designer? MJ: Yes, my parents were cool with me becoming a fashion designer when I was little; but when I was in grade 11 and started applying for University they said being a fashion designer wasn’t practical anymore and that I couldn’t make a career out of it. So I actually decided to become an aerospace engineer; I was really good at physics and loved doing math and science. I applied to all the science schools – Waterloo, University of Toronto, etc. but also applied to Ryerson for Fashion Design, thinking I would let faith decide my path. If I got into Ryerson then I would go there, but if not, I at least had the other schools to fall back on. Luckily I ended up getting into Ryerson and my parents were happy for me. IS:Your clothing line is known for fusing traditional and modern styles, how did it all start? MJ: In my final year at Ryerson, I did a non-traditional Indian bridal
wear collection for my thesis. Growing up I wore what my mom decided based on the clothing my dad brought back from India, so I thought there was an opportunity to create something unique in Canada. With this collection I was able to blend my traditional side from India and my upbringing in Canada, which bridged that gap for a lot of females that don’t want traditional Indian clothing but also don’t want something completely Western. That was when my brand was born. I didn’t want to go completely away from tradition, as there are so many beautiful aspects of being Indian, and so didn’t want to hide that. Growing up I kind of felt ashamed of my Indian side; that could be because of bullying or whatever, but it’s definitely something I was not proud of. But now I want to embrace it and I want those that wear my clothing to embrace their Indian and Western sides proudly. IS: What is the legacy that you are trying to leave for your social media followers? MJ: Trying to empower other young women who want to pursue non-traditional careers and encouraging them to follow their dreams. IS: Congratulations, you also recently got engaged! Tell us about that. (The engagement is featured in this issue of Lavish Dulhan.) MJ: Thank you so much! Yes, we recently we had an engagement party and it was a beautiful outdoor event. I was so lucky to have all my friends and family celebrate our engagement. And even happier to launch my line at the event, with all my girlfriend’s wearing the newest from Mani Jassal! IS:What is the biggest piece of advice you give to all your brides? MJ: The biggest advice I give to all my brides is to stay true to you. When you come in with a bunch of people, they are going to give you their opinion; follow your heart when it comes to what you want to wear.