Interview with Shara Manwaring on her Ethical Brand, Cireshel

My latest interview is with Shara Manwaring, the owner and designer behind the ethical children's wear brand Cireshel. This beautiful brand's ethos is ethical, sustainable and considered to its very core. No detail has been left out. Each product is designed to last, be produced with minimal waste, and to be passed from one generation to the next. Cireshel certainly doesn't sacrifice it's style for substance - I discovered Cireshel by scrolling though their enchanting, fairytale-like Instagram feed and lookbook. I found out more about the ideas and inspiration behind Cireshel and discovered how Shara perfectly balances the brand's style with substance.

1. What inspired you to create an ethical and sustainable brand?

I wanted to create a product that spoke for itself, as well as ethically supporting its makers. The time and work that used to go into clothing has completely vanished, and I want to bring it back. Clothing is too disposable now. An item you wear, always means so much more when so much effort was put into creating it.

2. How do you design your clothes to be timeless?

The designs are chosen to be versatile through the seasons. There are some items that are a little bit longer, or have longer sleeves, but they can be rolled up or tied down. Some of the dresses come in two parts that can be worn together or separate. The colours are also chosen carefully to be young and playful, but never tied to a passing fad.

3. Why do you produce your designs in small quantities?

Each item is individually handmade and no detail is overlooked. We have a small team behind the brand, and because of this, it is not possible to mass-produce each item. However, we believe in quality over quantity. Each dress is part of a limited run collection and is numbered. Once the dress sells out, it is never reproduced and becomes forever unique.

4. Why do you like to use natural fibres? 

They usually come in muted colours, which usually means no harmful dying. They also mold to the body as they become worn-in. The intricate texture of natural fabrics are also usually very unique and beautiful.

5. Do you collect visual inspiration for your designs? If so, how?

Yes, definitely. I usually carry a notebook around that I sketch in. My phone is also full of screenshots of inspiration that I find all over the internet, usually Instagram or Pinterest!

6. I love how your website says 'let kids be kids' - how does this ethos reflect in your designs?

I wanted a collection that was a reflection of how children used to dress. I tend to shy away from elaborate prints or more "adult" inspired outfits or fabrics because kids should be able to feel, act and play like kids in what they wear.

Thank you, Shara - I am particularly inspired your by the idea that children's clothing shouldn't just be a shrunken version of adult fashion and that clothes should be made to be loved and last.

             Beccy x