We introduced to you one of our newest jewellery brand over a month ago. Now we have an interview with the designing duo of Marlu.

Q: Describe your design style. What would you tell others about your designs?

We create go-to statement jewellery for everyday and special occasions using metals and natural materials. Our pieces are strong, sleek, and classic with an edge.


Q: Describe your intended audience. What kind of people would you want to buy your designs?

Our customer is fearless. She doesn’t apologize for her style, her age, or her size, she knows what she wants and always steps out in eye-catching style.

Q: How did you get into the fashion business?

MARLU was launched in 2010 and we presented our runway collection during Toronto Fashion Week. The response to our statement pieces was instant and we realized that there was a customer who coveted the MARLU brand.


Q: Why did you choose fashion as a career?

Monika: I have always buried myself in fashion and lifestyle magazines. To this day, it’s my favorite way to pass time and be inspired. I also have a bit of an entrepreneurial streak, so I think it was a natural transition for me to figure out how I could make a career out of something I really enjoyed.

Marta: I had a really hard time finding jewellery that I liked and the stuff I loved was out of my price range. I also found it difficult to commit to investing in one great piece. So I started to make my own jewellery. Monika approached me about putting my skills into a business for us, and so MARLU was born.


Q: Who or what is your design inspiration?

Our inspiration comes from different sources depending on the collection we’re working on. However, we love the fearless style of today’s fashion icons like Carine Roitfeld, Giovanna Battaglia and Olivia Palermo.


Q: Currently, what's your favourite trend?

Our favourite trend is and always will be the statement piece. Whether earrings, a necklace, a jacket, pant, or shoe, commit to it and wear it fearlessly!


Q: Who is your favourite designer?

Too many to name! Any designer that pushes the envelope while still maintaining the look of their house is tops on our list, for example, the late Alexander McQueen, John Galliano, Marc Jacobs.


Q: What's your favourite material to use for your designs?

We use rhodium plating as our favourite metal finish. It is the plating used to give white gold the clean, crisp shine.

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The MARLU collection can be purchased here.

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In a very bright and spirited interview, designer Morgan Mallett -- from Design + Conquer -- tells us a bit about her creative process, the brand and passion for her work.

Delegate Earrings (Design + Conquer)

Q: How would you describe your design style?

Morgan Mallett: Mod, athletic and hippy (but not necessarily all at once!).

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Continuing on our series of interviews, designer Zoran Dobric gives us some insights to his designs and inspirations:

Lace Print Dress (Zoran Dobric)

Q: Who is your intended audience?

Zoran Dobric: Individualistic, art inspired, and personal.

Q: How and why did you get into the fashion business?

ZD: It's about the frame of mind, not so much about the customers’ age and occupation. People that like my work are usually intellectual, non-conformist, artistic and creative individuals that have a distinct sense of personal style. 

Q: Who or what is your design inspiration?  

ZD: My grandma was a seamstress, so I naturally picked up love for fashion and art from her.

Q: What material do you prefer to work with? 

ZD: Different types of silks as well as natural fabrics such as cotton, silk and wool.

Q: Do you have a favorite design/collection from your work?

ZD: It's always the one I am currently working on.

Q: Who are your favorite designers?

ZD: Probably a mix of Dries Van Noten, Comme des Garçons, Yohji Yamamoto and Rick Owens.

Q: What do you think about the Canadian fashion scene / industry? 

ZD: We have many talented designers in Canada, but overall there should be more support for the business and PR side of their business.

Q: What do you think is the next big trend to lookout for?

ZD: Ethical manufacturing and environmentally conscious fashion I would hope... 

Q: What is your number one style tip(s) or advice? 

ZD: Individuality and personal style is the formula for an interesting and attractive look. Fashion dies, but style is forever.

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To view and purchase some of Zoran's pieces on Ukamaku, click here.

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Life (Psalms 91:1 Accessories)

As part of our interview series, we asked Psalms 91:1 Accessories designer Sally Han Jun to answer a few questions about her work and inspiration. Here is what she had to say:

Q: Who is your intended audience?

Sally Han Jun: I design for a broad range of different women, all ages, all styles. But I focus more on designing for customers who appreciate meaningful and artistic designs.

Q: How and why did you get into the fashion business?

SHJ: I started the business around 8 years ago, but got into the fashion industry around 6 years ago through sample sales and sponsoring designers for fashion week shows. I got into the fashion business because that's where God called me to be and I enjoy expressing myself through fashion. Most importantly, I got in to make a difference in the world using jewelry.

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Designed and printed in Canada, these homegrown tees are the staple of DuLL Clothes.

Describe your design style.  What would you tell others about your designs?
We focus on quality and attention to detail to our garments with a minimalist approach to designing. Fabrics are very important and play an integral role in the pieces we create. ALL of our product is made in Canada which allows to be part of each and every step in the creation of our garments.

Describe your intended audience.  What kind of people would you want to buy your designs?
This is probably my least favourite question I get asked. The phrase ‘our intended audience’, automatically conjures up images of who we think should be wearing our clothes. People then assume that it’s a certain kind of person. Truthfully, I want people who appreciate design, aesthetic and fit to purchase our items.  There is no ONE person that we want wearing our designs but rather someone who loves fashion and can appreciate all the thought and effort that goes into each and every piece.

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We continue our on-going profiles of Ukamaku's own Canadian fashion talents. Originally from Toronto, now in Montreal, Thea Barber is our Shining Star for today.

Describe your design style.  What would you tell others about your designs?
My designs have classic shapes and clean cuts drawing inspiration from tailored menswear and vintage ladies couture.

Wool Jumper (Epoque by Thea Barber)

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