Sublime: Tell us about you and your training as a fashion designer.
Marine Delmau: I moved to New York City in 2011 to study at Parsons School of Design, where I graduated with an Associate Degree in Fashion Marketing. I was always interested in the business side, coming from an entrepreneurial family. After taking many design courses and working for a number of years as right-hand person to an 
upcoming New York designer, I finally got to embrace my own path and vision, linking my love for fashion with my spiritual beliefs.
S: What’s behind the name of your brand – Lâcher Prise Apparel?
MD: Lâcher Prise comes from a French expression that means ‘liberation achieved by detaching from the desire to control’, and implies letting go of any emotional restraint. The concept is simple: to convey the feeling of ‘lâcher prise’ through creative and ethical designs.
We envision a new side to fashion, beyond its aesthetic appeal, which is about bringing comfort and confidence to the wearer. It all comes from within; the clothing is just the catalyst.
S: Where does the inspiration for your designs come from?
MD: Most of our inspiration comes from nature and its elements: wind, water, earth and fire . . . as well as from my Mediterranean roots. The movement of waves, fire, clouds and sand dunes is a perfect representation of Lâcher Prise’s vibe.
S: What is the importance of ethical, locally made garments?
MD: Designed and made in New York City, Lâcher Prise supports ‘locally made’ manufacturing. Our eco-friendly approach comes from the desire to revive the New York City garment industry by practising both ethical and sustainable production and leaving a minimal carbon footprint.
We use plant-based fibres such as MicroModal and Tencel, which originate from beech trees and are some of the softest fabrics on the market. We apply practices that are environmentally friendly, and ensure our fabrics have been processed naturally without leaving any waste. Biological degradability is integral to Lenzing Fibers, the Austrian company from whom we source our textiles. Thus the cycle is a closed one. Nature returns to nature.
S: Tell us about your philosophy and your latest collection.
MD: The Lâcher Prise philosophy is based on four main values. Our clothing must be gender neutral, ethical, emotive and multifunctional. Our latest collection, called ‘Terre de Feu’, which means ‘Land of Fire’, is inspired by the desert. Wind, sand and fire have inspired the texture, draping, colours and silhouette of our latest collection. The Lâcher Prise look is a subtle balance between dark and modern urban warrior and a warm and delicate ethnic twist.
S: If we had £100 to spend, which piece would you recommend we buy from Lâcher Prise Apparel?
MD: I would say to invest in our Echape Tank Top or Long Sleeve Top, timeless unisex pieces made with sustainable MicroModal. You can wear them every day, for any occasion. Dress them up or down; share them with your partner. They will become staples in your wardrobe.
S: Do you see ethical fashion gaining more of a share in the market?
MD: Absolutely. It has been growing at a fast rate in the last few years. I truly believe that ethical fashion will become the norm for any fashion designer, whether they’re established or just breaking into the market. Customers are looking for sustainable brands, apparel that encourages sustainable processes and fits their ethical beliefs.
S: Are you working on a new collection at the moment?
MD: We are working on our SS20 collection, inspired by a new element. To give you a little clue, this one is more ‘fresh’.
S: Finally, what’s your favourite hashtag?
MD: Our favourite hashtag would be #weartofeel, which perfectly describes the concept of our brand. We often use #earthpartner and #holisticfashion, too.
