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A lesser known part of our business is that we supply a lot of cloth to small fashion and lifestyle brands. We try to keep our minimum order quantities low to make it feasible for designers and makers to use our fabrics. As makers and artists ourselves, we will always support independent businesses and up and coming artists in whatever way we can. We find it so inspiring to see what our production customers design with our cloth and we know you will too.
We spoke with Coral, the designer and founder of Emiko Studios, a small batch studio and micro factory in the north of England making modern, slow fashion clothing. Classic, utilitarian shapes are offset by pieces with decorative details that highlight the way the chosen fabrics move and drape: drawstrings, ties and angles sinch and structure allowing the wearer to create multiple, architectural shapes within one garment. The result is unique, workwear-esque clothing that is cool as well as comfortable. Emiko’s clothing celebrates the function and versatility of natural fibres and invites play with patterns and shapes.
Emiko are at an exciting pivotal moment in their business with an upcoming move from their much loved Stockport mill to a space in the Northern Quarter of Manchester City Centre. The new space will be a bricks and mortar shop and studio space with room for the community to engage even further with their process from start to finish and for the team to re-open their valuable work experience programme. Share your support on their crowdfunder here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/emikostudios
How would you describe your aesthetic?
Our aesthetic is best summed up as Japanese-inspired silhouettes, blended with vintage utility workwear, and modern slow‑fashion craftsmanship, all anchored in sustainability and hand‑made quality.
We love that ethical sourcing and minimal waste is at the core of Emiko’s values. Tell us a bit about your processes and intentions as a slow fashion brand.
We operate with an intentional and transparent slow fashion philosophy, grounded in craftsmanship. Every garment is handmade in our Manchester based microfactory by a small team of skilled seamstresses. We prioritise quality over quantity, producing in limited batches to avoid overproduction and waste. We use deadstock fabrics, organic & natural fibres, and we also offer free repairs to keep our garments circular.
Why do you choose to source your cloth from Merchant & Mills?
Fabrics are thoughtfully produced, durable, and beautifully tactile, which supports our goal of creating long lasting, responsible garments. Their team is responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in the makers they work with. This strong relationship allows us to source consciously while maintaining the quality and integrity that defines our process and our pieces. The patterned cloth we source from Merchant and Mills is so unique, the colourways are beautiful, and they support true craftsmanship.
How do your fabric choices inform your designs? Do you choose your fabrics first or does the design choose the fabric?
Usually the fabric will inspire what we design, with the texture and fluidity being a key influence. Fabric has always been really important for the brand, quality and texture are important key factors, and if there's a story behind how the cloth is spun, or how its produced, then even better. We are fully transparent with our manufacturing process, so when the cloth can be traced right back too, this creates something really special.
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What do you love about working with natural materials?
After working in the fast fashion industry, I made a conscious decision to exclude polyester and synthetic plastics from our collections. Instead, we are committed to using only natural fibres. These materials not only age beautifully, but they’re also breathable, gentle on the skin, and incredibly comfortable to wear. From a design perspective, natural fabrics offer a softer, more fluid drape, creating elegant silhouettes, and they're also biodegradable.
Tell us what your little factory in Stockport is like. How many people do you have in your team?
The factory is a busy, energetic space, full of creativity and collaboration. It’s where like minded people come together to share ideas, spark inspiration, and develop new styles. We’re a small team of four, working alongside other independent businesses, which gives the space a real sense of community and purpose. Although we operate on a made-to-order model, the studio is alive with fabric, patterns, and designs scattered throughout constantly feeding our imagination and inspiring new ideas as we work.
What challenges do you face as a slow fashion brand ?
One of the main challenges we face as a slow fashion brand is balancing our values with the realities of running a sustainable business. By keeping all manufacturing in-house, working with UK based suppliers, and producing everything to order, our costs are naturally higher than those of fast fashion brands. We’re committed to ethical production and local sourcing, but that often means competing with large corporations that outsource manufacturing at scale and rely on cheaper, less sustainable materials. It can be difficult to stand out against those price points, but staying true to our principles is what defines our work.
What are you working on currently that really excites you?
We’re excited to be moving into a new retail space right in the heart of the city. This exciting step opens up a whole range of opportunities for our brand, our community, and the creative scene around us. The space will be a place to learn, create, and connect. We’ll host public events, creative workshops, and offer work experience and apprenticeships, particularly aimed at students and emerging designers. This move will also allow us to grow our team, create new jobs, and strengthen our wholesale partnerships with like minded boutiques. We're especially looking forward to expanding our bridal range to include more unisex styles and options for the entire bridal party. Most of all, we can’t wait to collaborate with fellow Manchester creatives and support other small businesses in the process.
To enquire about becoming a production customer, please email [email protected]
