Myrrhia Fine Knitwear was founded in 2010 with a mission to constructively weave the fibers of not only the environment, but also the lives of the people who her garments touch. Working only with yarns and fibers grown and spun in the USA and choosing local and organic whenever possible marks this fashion designer a true champion in her fearless charge to progress society. Unabashed by defying the corporate norms, designer and entrepreneur Myrrhia Resneck cares deeply for her employees, customers and the future of existence, but one should hear it from the warrior goddess herself.
When did you realize that you had a passion for design and what was that "spark" that got you hooked?
I didn't notice that the passion was there until I looked back over my life and realized I have been designing the whole time. I would wrap and safety pin scraps of fabric around my barbie dolls and make avant garde interiors for her apartment with my best friend. I would draw patterns and clothes while I watched MTV. My dad loved to do things for himself and fix things around the house. We loved spray foam and wire and tape. Then, of course, there is the way I learned to knit. My grandmother wanted me to make the classic garter stitch scarf, but I had already designed slippers for myself made from simple rectangles sewn in a particular way. We fought about it, but I was fearless about trying things out, even as a 7 year old. They worked great.
How would you describe your label's aesthetic?
Futuristic. My favorite designers are from the 60's mod era. Pierre Cardin in particular. There was a joyful optimism in those clothes, as well as a concern about efficiency and the new life patterns of the information age. There are a lot of apocalyptic visions in our culture now, so part of my futurism is to push back on that through values of my company—how can I make garments in a way that will be sustainable for people and the environment for another 100 years?
Your label is eco-friendly. Can you explain your process?
The large majority of our garments are made from woven or knitted fabrics that are cut out of dyed, rectangular cloth. The parts of the fabric that are cut away end up in the landfill. All that fiber, polluting dye and energy, just wasted. With knitting, you can knit each garment piece to shape, then sew it together. No waste. In addition, I am careful to source my yarns domestically, so all that fuel that might have been used bringing yarns from Italy or China is conserved. This leaves a smaller carbon footprint. In my Spring 2013 collection, I was grateful to find some organic, naturally colored cotton. Because it was undyed, it placed a lesser burden on our waterways.
What are you inspired by these days and will you be drawing from these inspirations for your next collection?
Knitting technology is an inspiration lately. I love to look at hi-tech seamless sportswear. The movie Prometheus and the art of H.R. Geiger sent me back to an old biology textbook on primitive life forms, and I have been drawing those images a lot. Most of all, I am inspired by my customers and friends. I am grateful that they let me pick their brains about their wardrobe challenges. Especially my women friends who work in the hard sciences. I do a lot of custom work for folks and sometimes the ideas make their way into my collections.
Do you have any advice for up and coming fashion designers?
My biggest advice is: don't be afraid. Be brave, be rational, and be objective. Read Kathleen Fasanella's book: The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing. Read her blog: fashion-incubator.com. Never forget that as a designer, your choices affect the lives of workers, the environment, and your customer in profound ways.
For media access to the Spring 2013 collection, as well as for line sheets and lookbook, please contact Andrea@ecologiquefashion.com.
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