PrettyLittleThing are passionate about using their platform to champion young creative talent and even launched a competition to find their Designer of The Year 2021.
Introducing Martina Mansaray X PrettyLittleThing. The vision brought to life as winning designer Martina Mansaray draws inspirations from pop culture and the varied mix of diversity that was present during her upbringing in North London.
The collection is bold, uplifting and figure-hugging. It celebrates noughties fashion in a way that makes us feel nostalgic. It's a June 21st worthycollection and we absolutely love to see it. 👏🏻
Martina chats to heat about her inspiration for the collection, her love of fashion and her number one styling trick...
Hi Martina, we love the collection! What was the design process like? How long does it take from the initial idea to appearing on the site?
Everything was quite fast but, I must say it’s quite a process, just to make sure everything comes out perfect. A lot of designs didn’t make it, but it allowed me to see how designs develop for retail.
The collection is such a vibe, what was the inspiration behind it?
Thank you! It’s a nod to the 2000s pop culture that I grew up on, with the vibrant colours and print. I wanted to create the sexy, confident woman with my designs, and I definitely wanted to celebrate the body with form fitting silhouettes.
What is your favourite, stand-out piece from the collection?
It has to be the midi cut out dress for me, so flattering and I love green!
When and how did you love for fashion begin?
This is all I’ve ever wanted to do. I grew up surrounded by fashion, the majority of my mum’s wardrobe is custom made so I always loved to go along with her to the seamstress and see her design ideas come to life. I always admired how she expressed herself through fashion, I still do.
What were the initial barriers to getting your work ‘out there’?
The lack of self belief, I think it takes a lot guts put something so personal out there because you never know how it will be received, but I am so glad I did and SO glad took the plunge to enter this competition.
Who is your dream celeb you would love to dress?
I mean, who doesn’t want to dress Rihanna?
What’s your favourite styling trick?
Accessorise! Even if it’s just a pair of earrings, it always completes the look. I don’t think I can leave the house without hoop earrings. I always carry a spare pair in my handbag, just in case LOL.
What’s next for the future?
I mean, the possibilities are endless at this point. I really want to invest in my craft and evolve as much as I can as a designer. Hopefully one day I’m setting trends and dressing people all over the world.
SHOP: the Martina Mansaray X PrettyLittleThing collection
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Martina Mansaray's PLT collection
1 of 5Pink Printed Mesh Overlocked Bodycon Dress
Shop it in plus size, here.
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Celebrity stylists’ judges Zack Tate and Jamie Mcfarland said of Martina's collection:
“We chose this winner because we thought she could really see where the trends were heading. We loved her form-fitting silhouettes and the patterns were something we were really excited about. We also loved her sketches and how inclusive they were.”