a fashion designer
We all love that sense of isolation down here in Cornwall that also keeps us focussed on what we wish to achieve in life and also in work. We’re a remote county to a degree but we function the same way as they do “up the line” (that’s a Cornish expression by the way) but the big cities and crowds simply don’t appeal to a number of us.
Years ago it might have seemed common place for someone who studied a degree in fashion design down here to move to London as that’s where our general perception of fashion used to trade itself. These days, that’s simply not the case. Ella chose to stay here in Falmouth after she finished her degree and pursued her “desire to create, experiment and innovate.” A quote direct from her own mission statement. Being remote as we are, I asked Ella, how do you keep on top of the trends and all of those fashion market movements we see and hear of?
“In all honesty I don’t keep on top of trends, it’s exhausting! While there are macro and micro trends in all areas, even small made-to-order clothing companies, I try and tune out what other people are doing. I tend to look back to see what myself and people around me are still wearing, and the styles we return to again and again”.
“I design items which are updates on classic styles, that will stay in your wardrobe for a long time, or be passed on to loved ones”
Sustainability plays a key role within Ella’s designs. Her buttons are made out of recycled Cornish fishing nets and drinking container plastics and even her packaging follows the same route. She works with natural and organic based materials which eventually biodegrade and are effectively kinder to our planet. Are there any fabrics you enjoy working with Ella? “I love working with linen, it’s a breathable, anti-bacterial fabric that looks effortless, and it’s more environmentally friendly to produce that cotton.
I think it would be fair to say that Ella’s collections are certainly not fast fashion, far from it.
She’s a one woman show and the design process she adopts can take some time from the start to her finished designs “I’m often just nudging back development time constantly” she told me.
Ella calmly works out of a lovely neutral light space here in the centre of Falmouth at her own pace, behind closed doors and slightly out of sight, designing and sewing away whilst creating her own special look. Her styles are limited by her own choice but are unique and are all handmade to order. There was a real sense of calm when I documented Ella’s world which I believe reflected on her attitude towards fashion, slowing it down you might say.
I came across this quote which I think sums what Ella’s brand and ethos is all about
“good design is sustainable design” Imran Amed. Thank you Ella. RD
