Join us with fashion designer Ferzin Irani the creative force and found behind the women's clothing brand Escale, as she tells us more about how her brand values align with JewelStreet, how she keeps her designs produced ethically and so much more!

Values are really important to us at JewelStreet. What are your core brand values?

The values of an Escale design are to give a helping hand to the very people who have inspired the extraordinary in the brand.

Escale has pledged to empower financial independence in artisan communities, supporting the United Nations global goal: #1 no poverty, #8 decent work & economic growth, and #10 reduced inequalities.

Escale ensures that every season's collection is designed with a purpose & stitched with social responsibility. Our values are woven into every step of the creative process, empowering the lives of women at both ends of the fashion chain.

How do your brand values align with those of JewelStreet?

We love that JewelStreet shares our commitment to sustainable surprise in fashion & empowers artisans to thrive & reach new audiences. It is commendable that they offer a platform for like-minded designers to reach wider audiences.

To empower women on both sides of the fashion chain is what drew us to JewelStreet. Laying emphasis on every step of the creative process and making buyers more conscious about their purchases is what we would like to share with Jewel Street.

How do you ensure your designs are ethical and sustainable?

Besides sourcing fair trade fabrics from around the world, we ensure that the fabrics are long-lasting & are our designs are fashionably relevant season after season. They are designed to be timeless. They are framed for flexibility because one piece is the solution for 3 stunning looks.

We commit to a sustainable design process, eg: only using one prototype of each design to save on fabric. Mass manufacturing & fast fashion are the norms in the industry. However, we at Escale aim to prevent this wasteful cycle by making our designs in tinier batches. This minimises our overall carbon footprint & is a step towards propelling a trend that constructs ethical brands & a more conscious consumer.

Are there any specific manufacturing/crafting techniques you use?

The Escale secret of the artful use of seam & dart to slim & shape. We have only one other person besides the founder who knows this skill in the organisation. 

Have you won any awards for your work?

I was acknowledged for my work by the Government of Abu Dhabi, UAE in 2015 for Women Leaders in UAE & also received Super Women's Achiever's award at the 6th World Women Leadership Congress for sustainable development.
Escale has also won the Best Eco-Friendly Women's Fashion brand & a Distinction award for Disadvantaged Female Empowerment at MEA Markets 2019.

Are there any celebrities you would love to see wearing your designs?

Escale is for influencers who choose to stand up with courage & make a difference and want their fashion to do the same. Women who are pioneers in their fields and have made a positive impact are all celebrities that I would like to dress.

How do you want someone to feel when they wear/use your designs?

Escale means 'stopover' in French and our brand is the fashion equivalent of stopping over to unlock the power of your own unique style. Celebrate your shape & strength through the perfect cut and silhouette, illuminated by the beauty of natural fabrics and a touch of Escale challenge.

What are your go-to style tips?

When in doubt dress relaxed & cool with a touch of red lip colour.

If you could only wear one piece from your collection, what would it be and why?

It would have to be the one sleeve stole which is so versatile & can be worn on many occasions. It is created from luxurious natural silk fabric & embellished with beautiful coloured beads which reminds me of the women artisans who would sit in a group & chatter away with other women artisans often making their hearts lighter by simply sharing their woes.

What is your favourite quote?

'Be the change that you wish to see in the world.' This quote has been engraved on my handmade business card folder.

Thank you so much for talking with us today Ferzin!

Discover more modern women's fashion at Escale's boutique here on JewelStreet.