Full Name:

Emma Kate Rose Manley.

Where were you born?
Dublin.

Where did you grow up?
Castleknock.

What was your first job?
Cutting the grass for a punt on Sunday’s but if you are talking real work then it’s …. working in the juice bar at a Total Fitness gym!

What got you interested in fashion?
My Mum was a designer so I was brought up around fashion. It was part of my life from day one. There was never a moment when the penny dropped and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. It was just always there. As a kid I’d run home from school because I knew Mum would have a client in being fitted, and all I wanted to do is sit and watch that process. I’m grateful I found my calling at such a young age.


While growing up did you have a favourite fashion designer who you admired?
No. When I was younger I was oblivious to designers and fashion houses, I was just interested in the process. My Mum was the only designer I knew and to me she was the bee’s knee’s. These days it’s different, fashion is far more accessible to the younger audience, fashion magazines are no more a luxury item for those only in the industry, there part of everyday life.  Fashion tv in on 24 hours a day if you want to tune in and see what’s on the catwalks world wide.


Where did you study fashion?
I started with a foundation course in Fashion & Textiles’ at Colaiste Ide. I then went on to study at The Grafton Academy. The biggest learning curve for me was defiantly my year of interning. There’s some things they just can’t teach you in college!

Do you remember the first item you designed?
Clothes for my beloved Kyle, a doll that never left my side until embarrassingly late in life!


Where do you get your design inspiration?
As always, it’s what’s going on around me. I never hone in on a particular influence instead it’s a collection of things that I have seen, heard, read, felt etc. All these things are written down in my moleskin or stored in my head and when it comes to designing they are the foundation for inspiration.


What item of clothing have you designed and thought, I don’t like that?
None that have been seen by anyone bar me! You can grow tired of a design after working on it for so long but to actually put something out there that I don’t like, never.

How did you start designing your own collection?
I all happened really organically. I had been interning with Alexander McQueen in London, and the day I finished up I ordered a roll of patten paper. I just wanted it handy in case I had the urge to make myself a little something. The following morning I got up bright and early and that was the beginning of A/W ‘11. I haven’t looked back since.


How does having your own label differ from working for a large corporation?
I have control over all aspects of the business as opposed to being in charge on one small element. Yes I do have people to advise me, but ultimately I am the one in charge. Achievements are somewhat bigger when it’s your own label, but you know what, failures are too.

What is the best perk in being a designer?
Never being in need of something to wear as I have a wardrobe full of samples.

Where can the public buy your clothing items?

• Brown Thomas, Grafton Street, Dublin

• Bow Boutique, The Powerscout Town House, Dublin.

• Wolf & Badger, Notting Hill, London

• www.wolfandbadger.com

• www.style-tonic.com

What’s your favourite piece of clothing you have designed?
The ‘Slasher Dress’ from A/W ‘11. It’s my go to dress as it’s so easy to wear and every time I wear it, I feel great. It’s my secret weapon. It’s hanger appeal is limited if I’m honest, but try it on and I guarantee, you won’t want to take it off.

What is a typical day in the life of Emma Manley?
No day is ever the same. As a sole trader, I look after every aspect of the business. There’s allot of learning on the job going on but for me, it’s pretty exciting. Designing now seems less like a job and more a reward for getting the other aspects of the business right. I have to be clever with my time and make sure I divide it according to what’s best for the business and not what I enjoy doing! I have a very detailed weekly, monthly and yearly planner, as long as I stick to it, I know I’m doing pretty ok!

What are your favourite types of clothes & colours you like to wear yourself?
My personal style is pretty much Manley in a nutshell. I love separates and how they can be mixed and matched in so many ways. I adore feminine fuss teamed with strict tailoring to create a look that hold a contradiction. I adore muted colours that allow the design to shine through. I love love love leather and hope I am lucky enough to work with it for years to come.


Are there other designers out there whose designs you admire, explain?
Mary Katrantzou. From time to time, that someone special comes on the scene, someone who is truly gifted and takes the industry by storm. She’s a few seasons in now and each and every show has left me completely in awe. She’s breaking down boundaries left, right and centre and re-writing with a new rule book for print.

So what can we expect to see from Emma Manley for the future?
Right now is a pretty exciting time. Allot is happening and allot is being planned but you’ll need to stay tuned to find out exactly what.

In your opinion, what does it take to become a good designer?
Obviously talent but that paired determination, patience and persistence.