Since the launch of their first collection in 2006, the three Manning sisters from North Queensland have come a long way, fast. As teenagers, the three girls moved to Sydney to pursue tertiary education in the creative fields of fashion design, photography and visual arts. The result of their combined creativity is the successful modern fashion label, Manning Cartell, which is feminine detail-centric with a focus on delicate, girlie features.
Di Cant enjoyed this interesting chat with Gabrielle Manning.
Q: What an interesting label - Manning Cartell - what inspired the name?
A: We wanted to have a name that we were attached to, so we played around with our family name, Manning, and one day Cartel came to mind. Cartel has various meanings, some which hint at a sinister side...but we were coming from the angle meaning "of the family or group". We have added an extra "l" to it as it balanced better with "Manning"!
Q: When did the label begin and was it something you always as sisters wanted to do?
A: Our first collection launched for autumn/winter 2006. It wasn't something we always dreamt of, but rather evolved.
Q: As young girls growing up did you have the best-dressed dolls?
A: Cheryl did!
Q: Who, out of the three of you, went to fashion design college or had any formal training in design or in business?
A: We all did.
Q: Three sisters in business! Who does what? Do you all have input in the actual designing?
A: Cheryl is the designer, Vanessa takes care of the operational side of the business - the retail buying and visual merchandising - and I (Gabrielle) manage the sales, marketing and financial aspects of the business.
Q: What inspires a new season collection? Is it Europe, USA, London - or is it about the fabric, colours or our lifestyle?
A: It varies. It could be day-to-day things, music, books, a recent holiday, fabric, texture, colours...
Q: Where can one buy Manning Cartell apart from Myer stores?
A: We have two Manning Cartell boutiques in Sydney and a bunch of great stockists throughout Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia, which can all be viewed on our website.
Q: What are the future aspirations for Manning Cartell?
A: To continue doing what we love!
Q: Given the opportunity, who would you most like to meet?
A: Françoise Hardy [a French singer, actress and astrologer - and an iconic figure in fashion in the Francophile world].
Q: Who is the Manning Cartell customer?
A: She is a fun, feminine, playful and slightly ostentatious kind a gal.
Q: Given the opportunity, who would Manning Cartell like to dress?
A: Anita Pallenberg.
Q: Do you all walk, talk and live the brand?
A: Being a new brand, we pretty much do because it's a very exciting time.
Q: How important are shoes and bags to a Manning Cartell outfit?
A: Shoes and bags are incredibly important to any outfit!
For winter 2008, Sportsgirl stocked an exclusively designed range of Manning Cartell as their special designer showcase.
