Haiti-inspired label Fanm Mon blends cultural heritage with artisanal craftsmanship, creating sustainable fashion pieces that celebrate traditional techniques while supporting local artisans.
Sophia Demirtas’ grandmother was an avid embroiderer. Growing up in Haiti, Demirtas watched her create nightstand covers and tablecloths, unknowingly sowing the seeds for her granddaughter’s design career.
After starting as a social worker, Demirtas eventually embraced her passion for design, launching Fanm Mon, a clothing brand inspired by her Haitian heritage and those cherished memories. Now based in Turkiye, she creates ultra-feminine clothing like embroidered cotton midi dresses, colorful wide-leg pantsuits, and linen mini dresses. Each piece is made to order, reflecting her commitment to quality craftsmanship and sustainability.
Fanm Mon specializes in ultra-feminine clothing, such as embroidered cotton midi dresses, colorful wide-leg pantsuits, and sweet linen mini dresses. Each piece is made to order, reflecting a commitment to quality Haitian and Turkish craftsmanship and respect for the planet. Right now, the Earth is drowning in clothing. Every single second that passes, another truck has turned up at the landfill or the incinerator filled with textile waste. To avoid contributing to the growing problem, Demirtas makes each of her designs to order. After selecting their purchase, customers provide detailed measurements to ensure a bespoke fit.
This ordering system means that Fanm Mon’s designs are not just sustainable, but size-inclusive, too. “Our made-to-measure offering is catered to empower and embrace all body types, and sizes and for you to experience the joy of clothing that fits you perfectly,” reads the brand’s website.
Demirtas is dedicated to using sustainable fabrics like Turkish cotton, standing in stark contrast to the fast fashion industry’s reliance on synthetic, non-biodegradable materials. Her approach is slow, considered, and mindful, resulting in beautifully crafted designs that are made to last — and may even be passed down through generations.
We spoke with Demirtas to find out more about her journey with Fanm Mon, why the brand prioritizes sustainable production, and her hopes for the future of the fashion industry.
Ethos: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind launching Fanm Mon?
SD: Fanm Mon was born out of personal necessity. As a new mom in a new country, I couldn’t find the items I needed, so I started making jewelry, which then evolved into clothing. One day, I came across a piece of embroidery that brought me back to those memories with my grandmother, and I decided to make myself a dress. The response was so strong that the brand grew from a unique jewelry line to what it is today.
Ethos: How does your heritage and upbringing in Haiti influence your designs today?
SD: My Haitian heritage greatly influences my designs, especially through the traditional hand embroidery and crochet skills I learned in Haiti. The craftsmanship and culture of Haiti are integral to the brand.
Ethos: Your brand also embraces elements of Ukraine, where you lived before Turkiye, and of course Turkish culture, too — which can be seen in your use of Turkish cotton, in particular. What makes this cotton unique, and how does it contribute to the overall aesthetic and sustainability goals of Fanm Mon?
SD: The cotton is grown by local farmers in Turkiye, and all processing is done within the country. The cotton is turned into a thread just 15 minutes from our atelier, significantly reducing our carbon footprint. The short transit time from production to customer delivery enhances our sustainability. Cotton as a fabric is breathable, gentle, and takes color well, so it really brings our embroidery to life. It’s also easier to iron and maintain, making it more practical for our style of clothing.
Ethos: Can you walk us through how a Fanm Mon collection begins?
SD: The process always starts with a thought, a feeling, memory of some sort (childhood, a place I visited, previous styles and designs). It is like an octopus with the tentacles pulling and bringing everything together. We print our patterns, reducing the need for multiple fit samples and cutting down waste. We try to make only one or two fit samples and study them carefully, making adjustments part by part instead of remaking the entire sample.
Ethos: This seems to reflect your focus on sustainability.
SD: We also use partial embroidery to save energy and reduce waste. Our samples stay with us permanently, and our styles remain available on our website, allowing for customization based on customer preferences.
Ethos: Your background in social work is also evident in the social consciousness that runs through the brand. Some fashion brands lean into exploitation to produce garments, but Fanm Mon seems to have a close-knit team and a couture approach to accessible fashion.
SD: My background in social work helps me immensely, as I work with people daily. My team is a crucial part of the brand’s story and DNA. Whether it’s PR, production, or knitting, I interact with various individuals regularly. Understanding their different backgrounds and emotional capacities is essential. My social work skills help me manage the sensitivities and dynamics within the team, creating a supportive environment. Setting clear boundaries has been key, similar to a social worker-client relationship.
Ethos: How do you see the future of fashion evolving in terms of sustainability and ethical practices? How do you envision Fanm Mon contributing to that evolution?
SD: We will continue focusing on our made-to-order model, producing only confirmed orders to avoid overstock. This model ensures that we fulfill actual needs rather than producing excess inventory. Regarding the broader fashion industry, there’s a lot of greenwashing, and true sustainability is challenging. The goal should be to live your passion and bring creativity to life based on people’s needs, not just to sell.
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