How To Make Your Brand Unique With Textile Research

An interview with Clara Pinto.

Clara Pinto: https://www.instagram.com/laclarapinto/?hl=en

Esteban: So, just to kick things off, Clara, I know you’ve done a few interviews before where you’ve shared the story behind your brand. For those who aren’t familiar, could you give us a brief overview of how Clara Pinto started and where you are now?

Clara: Absolutely. The brand started quite organically. I was born and trained in Argentina, where I studied art before transitioning to fashion. I wasn't particularly passionate about fashion initially; it was more of a natural progression from art, something I was familiar with because of my family background. I believe in the power of training—developing skills over time, rather than relying solely on innate talent or passion.

Fashion felt safer and more complex to me because it involved working with other people, understanding the business side, and creating something that wasn’t just for myself. My work has always revolved around textiles, particularly wool, which I started working with early in my career as a student. I was already collaborating with big brands in Argentina, but the opportunities felt limited, so I decided to move to London, even though I had no money or contacts.

The journey has been a beautiful one, filled with learning about textiles, working with artisans, and embracing processes like natural dyeing that take time and are incredibly valuable. I want people to understand and appreciate the craftsmanship behind the garments because that's how they come to care for them.

Esteban: That’s a fascinating journey. It sounds like your focus has always been on the materials and the processes behind your designs. How do you think that’s shaped the brand’s identity?

Clara: A big part of the brand’s identity is visual. People are drawn to what they see in my work—the intricate details, the transparency, the felting, the draping. It’s all very tactile and rooted in textiles, which not everyone understands, even within the industry. This year, for example, we’re doing a lot of 3D felting, which is quite innovative. I think people are intrigued by the material and the craftsmanship behind the designs.

Esteban: So, would you say that much of your time is spent on exploring and improving these textile techniques?

Clara: Yes, but only about 30% of my year is dedicated to that. I work closely with wool technicians—creative partners who specialize in this material. We plan and experiment together, but the rest of the year is focused on the business side, which takes up most of my time. The textile development is what drives the brand forward and brings me the most joy, though.

Esteban: Given how important this aspect of the business is to you, how do you balance it with the demands of running a brand?

Clara: It’s challenging, especially as a small brand. The business side can be draining, especially when you’re trying to manage cash flow and production. But the creative work—working with the artisans in Argentina and seeing how we’ve grown together—that’s what keeps me going. It’s a balancing act, but it’s also what makes this journey so rewarding.

Esteban: I imagine that working between Argentina and London presents its own set of challenges. How does that play into your process?

Clara: It does. I’m based in London, but I go back to Argentina often because it’s important for me to stay connected to my roots. Everything I do is inspired by my identity, and I need to remember who I am, where I come from. London can be isolating in that sense, so I need to return home to recharge, both emotionally and creatively. My team in Argentina gets a lot of excitement out of the work we’re doing together, and that’s incredibly fulfilling for me.

Esteban: Switching gears a bit, what has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a designer and entrepreneur?

Clara: The biggest challenge has been the desire to start over constantly, to keep that initial excitement alive. The business side is challenging, especially when you’re not seeing immediate financial returns, but it’s also something that grows organically. It’s intense and sometimes I wish I could just take a break, but the reality is that you have to keep pushing forward. Staying motivated is the hardest part.

Esteban: What specific challenges do you face on a day-to-day basis?

Clara: Cash flow is definitely one of the biggest challenges. Even though I don’t need much to live on, managing the business finances is draining. There are always small things that make it hard, like not being able to afford a producer for a show, so I end up doing everything myself. It’s exhausting and sometimes overwhelming.

Esteban: It sounds like having a business partner could be a game-changer for you. Have you thought about bringing someone on board?

Clara: That’s been the hardest part—finding the right person to partner with. I’ve always done everything on my own, and it’s tough to manage everything without someone to share the load. I think having a business partner would really help, but finding that person is easier said than done.

Esteban: I can imagine. It’s not just about skills; it’s about finding someone who shares your vision and values. Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently when you were starting out?

Clara: Honestly, I think I did everything wrong, but that’s how you learn, right? If I could go back, I would tell myself to find a partner from the beginning. All the other mistakes—those are just part of the learning process. But doing it alone has been the toughest part, and I wish I had someone by my side from the start.

Esteban: That’s a great takeaway. Clara, thank you so much for sharing your story. It’s been a pleasure to hear about your journey and the unique approach you’ve taken with your brand.

Clara: Thank you, Esteban. It’s been a pleasure talking with you.