Ester Manas

Summary

Founded in 2019 by Ester Manas and Balthazar Delepierre, Ester Manas is a sustainably-conscious fashion brand born out of a desire to bring size inclusivity to the luxury fashion world. Both designers, who studied at La Cambre in Brussels and gained experience at top fashion houses like Balenciaga and Paco Rabanne, were determined to challenge the exclusivity that often defined high-end fashion.

Manas’ personal struggle as a size 44-46 woman led her to design her graduate collection focused on inclusivity, using techniques from swimwear and lingerie to create stylish, sensual, and size-flexible garments. Her one-size-fits-all collection, crafted from upcycled fabrics and deadstock, quickly gained recognition, leading the brand to win prestigious prizes such as the ANDAM Prize and H&M Design Award. The label is now stocked in renowned stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette, with continued support from the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.

History

Founded in 2019, Ester Manas is a sustainably-conscious fashion brand created by designers Ester Manas and Balthazar Delepierre, who both undertook a five-year course at La Cambre in Brussels and practical knowledge during internships in fashion houses Annemie Verbeke, Balenciaga, Paco Rabanne and Acne Studios.

Where did the inspiration take seed to create a size-inclusive fashion brand? As a size 44-46 woman shopping for fashionable garments, Manas found it to be an exhausting task. She soon felt that if she was big, she wasn’t welcome in luxury fashion. So when she was working on her final graduate collection, she was clear the focus would be on size inclusivity so she could bring about a change in the fashion industry and empower women with all body types. It wasn’t an easy task. When she couldn’t find big mannequins, she fitted her graduate collection on her own body and developed techniques inspired by swimwear and lingerie with stretch fabrics, ruching, smocking, threadworm and lace for a stylish, sensual one-size-fits-all collection crafted using upcycled fabrics and deadstock. It  was a huge success.

Label Ester Manas, co-founded by designers Ester Manas and Balthazar Delepierre who met at Brussels’ La Cambre art school, won prestigious prizes in no time including ANDAM Prize, H&M Design Award and Galeries Lafayette Prize at Hyères fashion festival, and reached the final stages of the LVMH Prize and the Hyères Festival. What’s more, iconic Parisian department store Printemps was the first to stock the label, followed by Galeries Lafayette and others in Nice, London and Los Angeles. The fashion brand’s development is also supported by the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode. 

Today, the label’s DNA is “one size fits all” and the collections celebrate artisans and craftsmanship and aim to empower every body type. Per Vogue, “Pleasure, not deprivation, is the operating principle. ‘Comfort,’ said Delepierre. ‘But beauty and sexiness, too,’ added Manas. They started with stretch fabrics, gathered and ruched for one-size-fits-all flexibility, and featuring cut-outs that offered peekaboos of their new swimwear. At AZ Factory earlier this year they began experimenting with pants shapes, and they added them to the mix here, using the same gathered and ruffled techniques. On the knitwear front, they’re proud that the new yarn they sourced isn’t itchy.'”

Vision

Belgian fashion designer Ester Manas has carved a distinct space in the fashion industry with a vision that challenges traditional norms of beauty and inclusivity. Her designs are rooted in a mission to make fashion accessible to all body types, embracing diversity in an industry often criticized for its exclusivity. Ester Manas’ vision isn’t just about clothing; it’s about fostering confidence, self-expression, and dismantling the outdated standards that have long dictated who can wear what.

At the core of her vision is inclusivity. She envisions a world where fashion isn’t limited by size, but rather adapts to the needs of every body. This is evident in her collections, where innovative techniques like adjustable patterns and stretchable fabrics allow garments to fit a wide range of body shapes without compromising on style or sophistication. By using clever designs that cater to women of all sizes, she redefines how fashion can serve as a tool for empowerment, ensuring that everyone can feel fashionable and beautiful, regardless of their measurements.

Another key element of Ester Manas’ vision is sustainability. Her approach to inclusive fashion also intertwines with her commitment to environmental consciousness. The brand often employs sustainable materials and manufacturing processes, reflecting her belief that responsible fashion should be both inclusive and eco-friendly. This vision promotes a future where ethical fashion doesn’t mean compromising on aesthetics or wearability but instead enhances it.

Ester Manas is also known for promoting self-love and body positivity through her designs. By creating clothing that celebrates the female form in all its diversity, she seeks to challenge the industry’s often narrow definitions of beauty. Her work sends a powerful message that all bodies are worthy of recognition, celebration, and adornment. This ethos not only reflects a shift in fashion culture but also sparks conversations about broader societal attitudes toward body image.

Mission Statement

Ester Manas’ mission focuses on creating fashion that is truly inclusive, challenging the long-standing barriers of size and body standards within the industry. Her designs are tailored to embrace all body types, ensuring that every woman can experience the joy and confidence that comes from wearing fashionable, well-fitting apparel.

Unlike many fashion designers who cater to a narrow range of sizes, Manas prioritises adaptive, size-fluid garments that adjust to different shapes without compromising on aesthetics. Her mission is to dismantle the exclusionary practices that have dominated fashion for decades and to promote a more equitable approach where every body is celebrated.

In addition to inclusivity, Ester Manas is deeply committed to sustainability. She believes that fashion has a responsibility not only to be size-inclusive but also environmentally conscious. Her collections frequently incorporate eco-friendly materials and sustainable production methods, reflecting her mission to align ethical values with fashion innovation. By combining inclusivity with sustainability, Ester Manas is on a mission to redefine how the industry approaches both design and impact, aiming to create a future where fashion is not only accessible to all but also mindful of its environmental footprint.

Key People

Founder designers Ester Manas and Balthazar Delepierre

Products and Services

Ester Manas’ products are renowned for their innovative, size-fluid designs that cater to a wide range of body types. Her collections feature adaptive garments that use clever techniques, such as adjustable drawstrings, flexible cuts, and stretchable fabrics, allowing each piece to comfortably fit multiple sizes without sacrificing style. These designs are not only visually striking but also functional, prioritizing the wearer’s comfort and confidence. From figure-hugging dresses to flattering separates, Ester Manas’ products are crafted to accentuate and celebrate diverse body shapes, ensuring that fashion is accessible to everyone, regardless of size.

Beyond just offering apparel and accessories, Ester Manas provides a service that promotes inclusivity and body positivity within the fashion landscape. Her brand fosters a message of self-love and empowerment through its collections, and by doing so, it challenges the traditional boundaries of what is considered “fashionable.” Through collaborations, runway shows, and social media engagement, the fashion brand extends its mission beyond the clothes themselves, offering a platform for women to embrace their individuality. Ester Manas’ services go beyond selling garments—they provide a vision of a more inclusive, welcoming fashion industry where all women can feel beautiful and confident.

Awards and Recognition

Ester Manas has been awarded the H&M Design Award, Hyères Festival and ANDAM Prize.

References

• Official website Ester Manas
• Ester Manas, The Brand Bringing Size Inclusivity Elle
• At rising label Ester Manas, one size fits all Wallpaper
• The creative journey: Ester Manas, fashion designer Atelier Serves
• Ester Manas LVMH Prize
• Why Ester Manas is bowing out of Paris Fashion Week Vogue Business
• Ester Manas Not just a label
• In Creative Harmony Harpers Bazaar
• Ester Manas Fall 2023 Vogue
• Ester Manas RTW Fall 2023 WWD
• Ester Manas Spring 2023 Vogue
• Ester Manas Spring 2022 Vogue
• Ester Manas Spring 2000 HypeBae
• Ester Manas AZ Factory
• Facebook page of Ester Manas Facebook
• LinkedIn page of Ester Manas LinkedIn
• Instagram page of Ester Manas Instagram
• Exchange policy Ester Manas
• Ester Manas 10Magazine