Anna is founder of sewing pattern label Sew Lala who specialises in comfort, adaptability and authenticity
By Anna Escher
Other children had a cuddly blanket, I had an old silk scarf. I grew up with second-hand clothes and at only eight years old, I started using the sewing machine. Even though it was my dream, I didn’t dare to enter a fashion design program, I decided to study Fine Art as I have a talent for drawing. In art school I ended up with textiles and prints. Last year, when my children got a bit older, I finally took the plunge to start my own sewing pattern label Sew Lala. Through my experience, and in my everyday life as an educated sewing teacher, I realised how important it is to wear clothes that make you feel completely comfortable and authentic.
EMBRACING DIFFERENCES
For me, sewing offers unlimited freedom to express your own personality and embrace your body size instead of squeezing it into standard retail sizes. This is the fundamental motivation for my designs. Throughout my life I've experienced many ups and downs with my body and I truly believe that every size and shape deserves to feel beautiful and well dressed. Sewing can be a big healing factor in this. Clothes should be fitted to the body and not the other way around. When you have a custom selection of “MeMades” that are suitable for everyday wear but not boring, you look forward to selecting your outfit in the morning. It gives you confidence and a whole different mindset.
BUILDING A LOOK
My patterns can be easily adapted and altered to fit individual body measurements. All my designs have multiple options to choose from, helping to find a custom look. This modular system puts the customer's needs and desires first, but also allows them to showcase beautiful fabrics. When I start a draft, I immediately think about options and how to modify the pattern. wI really love this part of the process, but at the same time it is my main problem.
MORE THAN CLOTHES
I am convinced that self-made clothes are not only a way to express our personal style, but also a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. Every piece of clothing we sew ourselves is a step towards a more conscious consumerism. As a mother, to think about the future is something that is crucial for me. There is a necessity in rethinking the fashion standards and moving towards sustainable, long-term planning of one's wardrobe without fast fashion. Not only for
