MANIMAKALA
Manimekala combines aesthetics and ethics, creating unique contemporary fashion that empowers both the wearer and the makers.
Combining design with a meaningful social mission by working in partnership with social enterprises to make their garments fairly and responsibly whilst empowering marginalised women and supporting them and their communities.
THE TEXTILES
Manimakala’s designs are bold and eclectic, for those who want to stand out. They specialize in joyful, statement textiles. From original hand drawings and paintings, they use both traditional techniques and digital technologies, combining print and embroidery to create stunning effects. Also addressing sustainability through their “zero waste” approach of refashioning leftover materials into one-off pieces.
THE MAKING
The Niran dress was on display at the exhibition, the original print design is developed from hand-marbling by designer and founder Mekala, then digitally printed onto 100% organic cotton, similar to an inkjet printer. This process uses up to 70% less water and up to 55% less energy. They keep all scrap fabric leftover from cuttings and incorporate them into future designs as part of their Zero Waste range.
The dress is made to order – They make only what is needed, so no overproduction resulting in leftover unwanted garments. They also source organic cotton fabric – conventionally grown cotton has a huge environmental impact, requiring vast amounts of water and chemical pesticides. Organic cotton uses no pesticides to grow so reduces the environmental impact by 50% and water usage by up to 90%. They currently use organic cotton and are working towards using regenerative cotton in the future, which actively supports native ecosystems and improves soil heath over time.
Manimakala also has a selection of zero waste jewellery, the Pastel flower earrings and Orbit necklace were displayed at the exhibition.
The pieces use upcycled materials which are reclaimed, vintage, second-hand or leftovers. Not all of these materials are typically considered “sustainable”, for instance unwanted sequins and beads are merged together and turned into stunning wearable piece. The brand believe that it is more sustainable to use the waste and turn them into pieces that will be loved and used rather than throwing them away. Due to volume of waste, each piece is limited edition as they only use what they find.
ABOUT
Manimekala Fuller has been making clothes for herself for as long as she can remember, far before she could actually sew. While studying on the University of Westminster’s prestigious fashion design course, Mekala gained international experience in the industry under designers Manish Arora and Roksanda Illinčić, amongst others. Inspired by her multicultural British-Indian heritage, her love for colour and pattern as a form of wearable expression led her to establish her namesake brand. Fully trained in pattern-cutting and sewing as well as design, Mekala makes every Zero Waste piece by hand. She designs and creates in partnership with social enterprises both in the UK and in India, as a reflection of her mixed heritage, to create fashion that is meaningful as well as beautiful. Colourful, dynamic and experimental prints are her signature, combining luxury fabrics with traditional crafts and modern technologies.
WEBSITE: www.manimekala.com
