Have you ever wondered exactly how a garment is created? 

I absolutely love this part of Ashe!  I get to use my creativity and design skills, however things can go wrong and it can become a frustrating, time consuming and expensive process.  So I thought I’d share a bit of information on the process of creating just one set.

When creating the Esther set, I wanted to create a more playful, fun set while still having coverage to wear a bra and a swing top for comfort and to suit all shapes. 

We started with the fabric selection:

I gave the factory fabric guidelines such as organic fibres, softness, breathability and non-transparent.  They sent over approximately 30 small unprinted samples…it’s very hard to choose from a tiny swatch when considering the fall and feel of fabric.  I finally decided on the Liva Eco Viscose which is made from wood pulp and known for its softness. I couldn’t be happier with it!

Next the fabric gets printed: 

Oh geez, did this cause some headaches!!! After many attempts (and wasted screens and time) we decided it simply wasn’t possible to get the lines of the geometric print correct using screen printing, so we then moved to digital printing.  This is the only print that has been digitally printed, all others have been screen printed as it uses less water and chemicals. You can see from the sample pictures that it just wouldn’t work.

Making The Pattern: 

Again, this was such a challenge!  It took 4 rounds of samples being sent back and forth between Emerald and Bali, and then my project manager Heather actually flying to Bali to get it sorted!!  Talk about going above and beyond!!!  She is an absolute superstar!  So much thought  and hard work has gone into getting the shape of this set correct.  I even threw one sample across my bedroom in a fit of frustration haha! 

After months and months of sampling, recreating and reprinting it eventually came together and became the beautiful Esther Set that you all get to see and wear.  There’s no feeling quite like receiving the final sample and being both relieved and excited that it is exactly what I had envisioned.

Much Love Mel xx

PS. Excuse the photo of myself in my messy bedroom, I never expected to be using this image hehe.