Clothing is the embodiment of our human interconnectedness, with each other and with our earth.
By applying natural fibers and earth conscious practices,
we create real wearables that last and bring joy.
Our Story of Menck Clothing
Founded in 2001, Menck Clothing is a Cape Town based women’s wear range designed by Ilse Menck and manufactured locally by women from the Cape Flats.
To me clothing is the embodiment of our human interconnectedness and,
if garments are produced with an earth consciousness,
the cloth on our skin also connects us to our natural surroundings.
With this clothing range, my commitment is to combine nature inspired design
with sustainable natural fibers, along with minimal garment processing or intervention,
to provide you with ‘real wearables’ – garments that fit well, flatter, last and are earth conscious.
Our planet needs alternatives to fast fashion.
Menck Clothing aims to provide such an alternative to the conscious consumer.
About Hemp and Linen...
Hemp is one of the most durable and earth friendly fibers on earth. The crops are fast growing, needing little to no pesticides or water and feed nutrients back into the soil.
Hemp is beautiful, breathable, durable and biodegradable - a true earth conscious investment.
Pure linen is derived from the flax plant, which also requires little use of pesticides and water, and when traditionally processed (mostly in Europe), water is used instead of chemicals,
keeping the fabric strong and adverse environmental impact to a minimum.
My inspiration and work, the makers and the wearers of my clothing – we are all interdependent, like the weft and weave of beautiful cloth.
It is this interdependence that keeps the inspiration flowing…
About Natural Dyes and Low Carbon Footprint...
In 2020 I started collaborating with Jane Solomon from Fabricnation in the application
of chemical free plant based dyeing of my garments, called Menck EcoPrint.
Subsequently I have started to dye garments with natural indigo, Menck Indigo,
creating a vibrant blue through a traditional alchemical process.
In keeping the carbon footprint low, all garments are made within a 10km radius
from the Menck design studio and fabrics are sourced as locally as possible.
Off-cuts are donated to sewing schools or other community projects. Some off-cuts are
up-cycled into iron-on patches by Fabricnation, for use of mending other garments.
Menck Designs are classic and timeless, yet quite distinctive,
making them personalised investment pieces.
My Gratitude...
I am extremely grateful for all the skill, time and effort that has gone into making each of my garments over the years. Each seamstress, cutter, pattern grader, quality controller, ironer and manager deserves mention. These women and men silently work behind the scenes to provide us our daily garments, which with time reflect our own identity and individual expression.
To all my loyal Menck customers, many who have become friends over the years, THANK YOU! Without your enthusiasm, love and support, I would not feel inspired to create.
Clothing is the embodiment of our human interconnectedness, with each other and with our earth.
© Ilse Menck 2021
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