Eco-fashion: Interview with Beryl Man (Anja Collection)

 

In this interview designer Beryl Man  (Anja Collection) gives us a unique glimpse into the challenges facing a designer on the forefront of high end boutique eco fashion.

MG: I understand that your interest for ethical fashion grew out of encountering
business practices during your first years in the industry. Would you say now
that you have established yourself it was easy to source ethically and just took some
looking?

B: i can say that i covered the basic simple knits/weave sourcing, but in fashion, consumers are always looking for something new and exciting so thats a challenge to make sure new resources are within sustainable principle and and not off track by the speed of fast fashion.

MG:Does ethical business cost more than "regular" business?

B: YES!! its more expensive and we have very limited choices. sustainable materials are more expensive but the Eco fashion market is still looking for lower prices. except if you are making one-off couture pieces for red carpet otherwise for everyday clothing people do not want to pay more just for the sake of being Eco. it has to come out of the design itself - the challenge now is how to make good design first and then make sure the price point are correct in the sustainable material as to complete with 'regular" fashion business.

MG:What is currently on your mind in terms of design?

B: colours. how to source colourful materials within the eco-critiria, my past collections has been very neutural and natural.so i hope to be a bit more colourful for the next Spring/Summer collection.
and carry on making more 'versatile' pieces.

MG:In looking at your spring 2012 line We see a great degree of variation in wearing
designs shown on the models - can we expect this to become a trademark in your work?

B: i hope so- i have been focusing on "effortless chic", so i hope to create pieces are versatile, convertible, simple, stretchy yet wearer can play around to wear however they want it - so we dont need a lot of clothing in our wardrobe but still can create many looks.

MG:What is your best advice for those newly pursuing eco-fashion?

B: we have to do what we love and believe in, right? stay focus dont look too much what other designers do but focus find your own strength on develop your special skill, ensure some kind of financial support, then it will take years to get somewhere, its life long job!!