As sisters and founders of MANNING CARTELL and above all as women, we have always believed that fashion holds a unique power: the ability to ignite confidence that is deeply personal and transformative.
The Woman Behind the Dress was created to celebrate and amplify the women who inspire us, artists, entrepreneurs, leaders and changemakers whose influence shapes the world around them in meaningful ways.
By sharing their stories and lived experiences, we honour the role confidence plays in empowering women to lead, create and leave a lasting impact. It reinforces our belief that when a woman feels confident, she not only transforms how she shows up in the world but inspires others to do the same.
You’ve worked together as sisters for over 20 years. How has building MANNING CARTELL as a family shaped your resilience, leadership and confidence?
Building a business as sisters is incredibly special, but it also requires honesty, resilience and trust. Over the past two decades we’ve grown not only as founders but as women navigating life together, supporting each other through challenges, celebrating milestones and learning how to lean into each other’s strengths.
Working as a family has taught us that resilience comes from unity. When one of us feels uncertain, the others lift her up. That dynamic has given us the confidence to make bold decisions, stay true to our creative vision, and continue evolving the brand while staying grounded in who we are.
At its heart, MANNING CARTELL reflects our shared values, creativity, determination and a belief in empowering women.
What have been your greatest lessons in navigating change across two decades in fashion, and how has confidence helped you stay true to your vision?
Fashion moves quickly, and over the past twenty years the industry has transformed in many ways from the rise of digital retail to shifting expectations around sustainability and transparency. One of our greatest lessons has been learning to embrace change without losing sight of who we are. Confidence plays a huge role in that. It allows you to listen, evolve and adapt while still holding onto the core identity of the brand. For us, that vision has always been about creating pieces that make women feel confident and powerful in their own lives. When we stay connected to that purpose, it becomes much easier to navigate the shifts around us.
From a 16th birthday to wedding days and the role of Mother of the Bride or Groom, what does it mean to be part of the pivotal milestones in a woman’s life?
It’s incredibly meaningful. When a woman chooses to wear MANNING CARTELL for a milestone moment in her life, it’s something we never take for granted. We love knowing that our pieces become part of the memories women carry with them — whether it’s celebrating a birthday, walking into an important meeting, attending a wedding or supporting a loved one on their special day. Fashion becomes intertwined with those moments.
How does clothing shape your own sense of confidence, and how do you translate that into the pieces you design for other women?
Clothing has always been a form of self-expression for us. The right piece can shift how you feel, it can help you stand taller, speak more confidently and step into a room with intention. When we design, we’re constantly thinking about how a woman wants to feel when she wears our pieces. It’s not just about the silhouette or fabric; it’s about creating something that empowers her to show up as her best self. That emotional connection is always at the centre of our design process.
What advice would you give women about backing themselves, pushing through challenges and stepping into their own empowerment?
Trust your instinct and give yourself permission to grow. Confidence doesn’t appear overnight, it’s built through experience, through setbacks and through moments where you choose to keep going even when things feel uncertain. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and remember that progress often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Most importantly, don’t wait until you feel completely ready. Sometimes confidence grows from simply taking the first step.
Can you share a memory of wearing MANNING CARTELL when it supported you in stepping into a moment with confidence?
There have been many moments over the years, from presenting collections internationally to celebrating key milestones for the brand. What’s special is wearing something we’ve created together as sisters. It carries a sense of pride and connection.
Looking back, what would you say to the younger version of yourselves who were just beginning?
We would say: trust the journey. There will be moments of doubt and moments where things don’t go as planned, but those experiences are what shape you. Stay curious, stay passionate about what you’re building and remember why you started. Confidence grows with time, and often the challenges you face become the foundation for your greatest strengths.
