Designer Profile – Malphi Style

Welcome to another Designer Profile on Vintage Indie. Please help me in welcoming the designer herself Susannah, behind Maplhi Style.

Can you tell us a little about what we see in your studio/workspace photo?
I first learned to sew using vintage hand-crank sewing machines (as seen in image left) but at the beginning of this year with my business growing I invested in a Bernina 950 industrial sewing machine. When I was using the non-electric hand-cranks I could take them into the garden to sew but now I have to sew inside with the new machine. Eventually I hope to have my own studio, perhaps over looking my garden with french windows so I can be close to working outside again!

Can you tell us a little bit about how Malphi was started?

I originally trained as an Actress. My MALPHI business has been developing for the past couple of years.  I spent a lot of time out in India and worked with the local tailors there to develop the designs and then brought them back to England. I started selling on Etsy and now also have my own website www.malphistyle.com.

What kinds of items do you create?

I started with one dress called the "Verity Hope Dress".  It’s a wrap dress which is designed to suit curvy figures and wear on its own or simply slung over Jeans or Bloomers.  I started producing the dress and Bloomers as "pre-cut and ready to sew"  dressmaking kits.  They was overwhelmingly popular on Etsy and now I also produce a limited number of dresses as ready made and one-offs.  I also added aprons as kits and ready to wear as I have such a passion for the nostalgia and homliness of aprons

What inspires you?

I get inspired by so many things especially when I’m in India amongst all the colourful fabrics all layed out in front of my eyes…it’s heavenly!  I love the rustic country lifestyle and like to picture my designs out in the country as much as possible in the surrounding countryside where I live…I think that’s the actress in me! There’s a fine line between being inspired and being influenced so I try and focus on getting inspiration from within then I know it’s from me.

(Meggie Ellen Apron Pictured Left)

Do you use any vintage materials? If so, why do you like about creating with vintage components?

I love vintage materials!  There’s a wonderful charity sale at a hospice near where I live.  It’s on every three weeks and sells mountains of fabrics, linens and notions…it’s truly a designer’s dream!  I love finding an old reel of lace or a hand embroidered linen, there’s a uniqueness to vintage items and they carry so much charm.

(Bloomers Pantaloons Pictured Left)

Thanks so much to Susannah for sharing a behind the scenes look at Malphi Style. You can shop for the designs shown at Malphi Style.