MANI JASSAL: DESIGNER AND STYLIST

Mani Jassal. Born in India, raised in Toronto. She's a fashion designer and stylist, and her designs range from non-traditional South Asian wear to kickass studded leather jackets. She makes her pieces unique by adding a western twist to a South Asian piece, or vice versa.  

Tell me a little bit about yourself and what you do. 

I am a fashion designer and fashion stylist based out of Toronto, Canada. I graduated last year from Ryerson with a Bachelor in Design-Fashion. 

What motivated you to start your design company? 

Well, in my graduating year at Ryerson, we have to do a big thesis project, and for my project I decided to do a South Asian Bridal wear collection, which is shown at the year end fashion show, Mass Exodus. I never thought that was something I would go into, but I was going through a Vogue India the summer before and thought it would be really cool to incorporate my culture into my collection. I don’t think anyone else has done South Asian wear for Mass Exodus. I got really good reviews after the show, and found that there is a niche/market for what I am designing/creating. So I thought to myself, why not! Let’s do this!

What makes your brand unique? 

I create South Asian formal wear now (not only bridal), but I do it with a twist. The pieces are South Asian but they have a western flare to them, OR vice versa my pieces are contemporary western pieces that have a south asian flare to them. It is far from your traditional bejewelled South Asian attire. I like to mix unusual colours, fabrics, and cuts into my pieces. For example, I love using leather in my pieces, even though it is South Asian wear, and I take it one step further and get the leather laser cut with intricate motifs. Also, I like to use colours like black and white into my pieces, which according to traditional beliefs are a big no no. And that’s where I really like to push the boundaries, and make people see that they don’t need to stick to their pinks, reds, oranges, and yellows.

What's your favourite piece you've ever made?

I think my favourite piece that I have designed is my red silk circle skirt with a train at the back. I love the simplicity and minimalism of it. It was part of the first look that came out on the runway during Mass Exodus. The red colour is so vibrant and astounding. Also, I think the market is already saturated with bejewelled and “blinded out” lehngas, that its time to try something different.

How has your style changed over the years? 

My style has definitely changed over the years, and for the better I think. I used to love dressing up in middle and high school and I thought I wore the coolest outfits ever. But now I look back at it and wonder  “What was I thinking?” It was much more colourful. I think after going to Ryerson, my style has become more refined, but is versatile in the sense that it adapts to the event/occasion. 

When you walk into your closet, what essentials do you usually gravitate toward? 

My closet consists mainly of whites, blacks and blues (thus the colour of my logo.) I love my pencil skirts because I think they are very timeless, and can be styled in so many ways. I like to sometimes wear my pencil skirt with a casual t-shirt, and some runners OR wear it with a fitted bustier, a statement necklace, and a pair of stilettos. 

Who inspires you? 

My fashion inspirations include the likes of Karl Lagerfeld,  and the late Lee Alexander McQueen. I admire the work ethic and passion that Karl Lagerfeld has as he designs for Chanel, Fendi, Karl Lagerfeld, and as a photographer. I always say that I hope to have the work ethic of Karl Lagerfeld, and the rebellious design aesthetic of Lee McQueen, while keeping it classy like Coco Chanel.

What can we expect from you next? 

Currently I am working on a few more collections, but also keeping busy with orders that I am getting from clients. I am hoping to have my own boutique open in the next year or so. Cross fingers! 

Visit Mani Jassal at http://www.manijassal.com 
and follow her on Instagram and Twitter! 

Interview by: Leena Singh
(All photos belong to Mani Jassal)