In Conversation with Seventy + Mochi Founder Haya Iqbal Ahmed

Writer and expert7 months ago

An established sustainable denim brand, introducing Seventy + Mochi, a brand which provides timeless, ethically produced clothing with an emphasis on eco-friendly materials.

Since starting in 2020, Seventy + Mochi has successfully fused traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, resulting in clothing that is accessible, timeless and on-trend. Rooted in its rich heritage of sustainable manufacturing, the brand allows its customers to feel confident and environmentally conscious.

Launching the Seventy + Mochi Autumn/Winter collection, we sat down with the founder of the brand, Haya Iqbal Ahmed to discuss her story, the brand’s sustainable initiatives, the new collection and more.

Thank you for talking to us today! Can you tell us a little bit about your story and how Seventy + Mochi came about?

I come from a family that has a deep-rooted heritage in the textile industry. My grandparents started trading in textiles in 1949 through a small shop - shop no. 70 on Mochi Lane, based in the bustling bazaars of Karachi, Pakistan. That’s where the brand gets its name and is a homage to its entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to doing ethical business. I’ve grown up watching the workings of the textile manufacturing industry and as my family’s business started pivoting towards sustainably made denims, I knew I wanted to carry the legacy forward and create something that was consciously kind in all aspects of the product and practice. And that’s how Seventy + Mochi was founded on the principles of being conscious, kind, collaborative and accessible.

You are a sustainable yet accessible brand, can you tell us about any of your sustainable initiatives or how you ensure the fabrics are sustainable?

Our design process starts with our fabric choices. We only use denim that is composed of recycled, organic or sustainable fibres and that informs the silhouettes you see in the range. It’s then sewn and washed at our own facilities, where we can transparently monitor the impact of the production processes, making sure no toxic chemicals are used, workers are paid living wages, energy and water consumption is minimised and no single-use plastics are utilised in the packaging.

This is all backed by thorough testing, certifications from globally recognised organisations and calculated on software from leading technology providers in the denim industry.

Seventy & Mochi womenswear — @anyahaslemere

Your clothes have distinctive details and denim focus, can you talk us through what inspires the designs and feel of Seventy + Mochi?

We are constantly inspired by a marriage of contemporary and craft. We design for modern, kind women who find strength in femininity, have an eye for detail and an affinity for old-world charm.

We are a denim brand at our core; however, we try to create clothing that feels unique through its considered design and details. We love incorporating hand-finished details into our strong silhouettes - there’s something special about sending little treasures into people's homes that have been handcrafted by a skilled artisan halfway across the world!

What is your favourite piece from the current collection, something you think everyone needs in their wardrobe?

I absolutely adore the Amelia jumpsuit. It’s inspired by Amelia Earhart and is such a perfect balance of femininity and strength! It comes in a range of colours, the fabric is light and airy and perfect to transition through the changing seasons. It’sdefinitely a winner!