Fashion Studio Magazine: CANADIAN FASHION 2020 (Part 4)

Saturday, May 30, 2020

CANADIAN FASHION 2020 (Part 4)

By Ana Kippel

Mani Jassal

Fashion Designer

Photo courtesy of Mani Jassal

Inspired by her Indian heritage, Mani Jassal has a fresh and modern approach to reinventing the sari. A sari is a women's garment from the Indian tradition that consists of an unstitched drape that is typically wrapped around the waist, with one end draped over the shoulder, showing a portion of the midriff. Although Mani’s pieces show Indian influences that can be worn for multiple occasions, they are not culturally exact. Selling luxury evening wear, bridal designs, and ready wear pieces, Mani creates a brand that has developed to international fame, gaining steadfast support from cities all over the world.

A combination between an ethnic idea and everyday wear is an excellent initiative for women to feel comfortable, yet stylish. Lightweight fabrics, beads and unique silhouettes, guarantee quality and minimalism that are the design principles that Mani offers to her customers. The collections have launched at Toronto Fashion Weeks with impressive and exciting results.

Born in Punjab, India, Mani moved to Toronto with her family at the young age of 5. Growing up with a passion for design, Mani was influenced by the art and culture of her background. She graduated with a degree in Fashion Design from Ryerson University. In 2019, Mani was chosen as one of the twenty Canadian entrepreneurs for The City Moguls Annual Event, narrowed down from a list of 300 nominees!

Photo courtesy of Mani Jassal (Click to enlarge)

Nominated for this year’s The Swarovski Award for Emerging Talent, Mani is making her collections diverse and unconventional, as a result, setting her design choices apart from her peers. Mani’s pieces have been pulled for red carpets, music videos, several movies & TV shows, as well as collaborations with many Instagram and social media influencers.

She recently made a documentary “With Love” available now on YouTube and Face book, hoping to educate and inspire youth to pursue careers in the creative field. You get an inside scoop on what it takes to create a collection and show at Fashion week. The film was shot, directed, edited and produced by only women. The entire collection featured in this documentary was also made by all women. Incredible doc.

Documentary: The Making of “With Love” By Mani Jassal

FASHION STUDIO: How are you coping with the current situation?

MANI: The current situation has slowed down our business quite a bit, but I am making the best out of a bad situation and enjoying the calm before the storm. This time this year is always super stressful and busy for us. I am working on unfinished projects and picking up on hobbies I usually didn't have time to do.

FASHION STUDIO: What do you think Canadian fashion industry needs right now?

MANI: I think this break is a great time to re think your business and the Canadian Fashion Industry. Figure out ways to make it more sustainable especially during these trying times.

FASHION STUDIO: What tips could you share with our readers? How to stay active and motivated these days?

MANI: I am a big list maker. I have created a couple of lists of things I could be doing, one is personal projects to complete, another work (production) projects to complete and marketing projects. This really helps in motivating me to finish something every day.

Photo courtesy of Mani Jassal

FASHION STUDIO: What projects are you currently working on?

MANI: I am focusing on personal projects at the moment. I am currently working on some outfits for my wedding.

FASHION STUDIO: How do you see fashion industry in the future? What are your personal predictions?

MANI: I think the way we buy fast fashion is going to change. I am someone who has for the most part boycotted fast fashion, but I think now a lot of people are going to be looking into that now and look for brands and clothing that is more sustainable.