Initially inspired by the clashing gangs of Tokyo Tribe, a dystopian rap battle musical, Manimekala’s SS19 collection "Wayward" is about the interaction of different cultures. Researching the Japanese subculture of the bosozoku bikers, and their adoption of the American greaser lifestyle, Manimekala developed distinctive abstract motifs to identify her own imagined gang.




Coming from a mixed race background comprising British, Indian and American (USA), she takes an intersectional approach to consider the implications of her specific heritage within the context of contemporary power structures and the legacy of Western colonialism. Marbling, one of Manimekala’s signature techniques, is done by hand to create unique mono-prints, then digitally manipulated into a repeat pattern, representing assimilation. Hand-written Tamil text spells out the designer’s full name - poignantly, these are the only words that she can write in her mother’s native tongue. However, as some English sounds do not exist in Tamil, the words are partly invented, lending them a surreal quality.



The Sila scarf prints fly the flags of inclusivity; that love triumphs over our differences. As a whole, the Wayward collection acknowledges and celebrates each person’s own ever-changing mixture of identities.




All products are ethically made in the UK and in India, using a mixture of hand and digital print processes, with a focus on natural fabrics. With an emphasis on transparent and positive production methods, Manimekala pieces empower both the wearer and the makers.

Manimekala believes in enjoying fashion responsibly, which includes environmental sustainability through zero waste production methods. In order to minimise fabric wastage from our main seasonal collections, she repurpose off-cuts and leftovers into one-off accessories. Each Zero Waste piece is made by hand in our London studio and is completely unique.