24 Hours With… sherris
Crinkly, colourful and a whole lot of fun? It’s got to be sherris, the cult NYC label run by Maayan Sherris and spotted in the wild on Downtown it-girls everywhere. Started as a swimwear label, Maayan began making suits for the Olympic training team, before launching her label and branching into knitwear and separates. Creating her distinctive wiggly pieces from her home studio in Manhattan, we caught up with the designer to dip a toe in her feel–good fashion world.
"Waking up in my apartment in New York. I live in Upper Manhattan."
"A bit of breakfast before I sit down at the sewing machine!"
Morning
What time do you wake up and where?
I wake up around 7am. I live in NYC, in upper Manhattan.
What’s the first thing you do in the morning?
I stay in bed, look at my phone, Instagram and TikTok. Then force myself out of bed to start my day…
Where are you usually based?
Upper Manhattan, 101st street and Broadway.
What does your average day look like?
I wake up, drink coffeeeeee, eat something, then turn on the sewing machine!
Do you have any rituals?
I wish I could work out every morning. Sometimes I exercise in my room but, to be honest, it’s a joke.
Where is your studio located and how do you get there?
In my room!
"My friends often come to my apartment to try on the pieces I'm making."
Daytime
How would you describe what you do?
I make everything I sell, and do most of the cutting and development and pattern making here in my apartment. I love it - I’ve been drawing and making clothes since I was seven.
How has your background influenced who you are today?
I grew up on a kibbutz in the southern desert of Israel – I think that gave me a lot of time to really think and develop this dream I had, to have my own clothing label. I'm from a beautiful, isolated place which shaped how I look at colours and textures - even though I live now in a concrete dense city.
How did you get your start in fashion?
I started drawing outfits in class in my notebook in the fifth grade. Then I learned how to pattern and sew in high school. Then I went to complete my Bachelors in fashion design at Parsons.
What was the impetus behind starting your label?
I started slowly with a small capsule right after I finished school. I made about six swimsuits for swimmers training for the Olympic trials, and that developed every year to what I’ve become today.
What are the most important factors for the brand?
Colour.
How do you get into a creative headspace?
I’m constantly thinking about new cuts and shapes, and colour combos. I normally just sit and sew the first draft, then try it on, then fix it, cut it, change it, sew it again etc…
Whilst working, where do you go and what do you do to take a break?
My subway rides are my break. When I need to go to the garment district, or deliver pieces around town, or get food…
Do you have a favourite piece from your new collection?
I love the lavender cardigan Browns buyers chose! It’s so unique.
Who would you most like to see wearing it?
Riri, of course.
"Some of the sherris swimwear styles, ready to be sent off to retailers."
"Some colourful snacks to keep me in the mood when I'm working."
Evening
What’s on your bookshelf right now?
The Torah, All About Love by bell hooks and Living Each Day by Abraham J. Twerski.
What do you usually do for dinner?
I LOVE CARBS.
What time do you go to bed?
I try to go to bed at 10pm because I’m in production, so I need to sew for 10 hours a day to finish my orders.
Last thing you do before you sleep?
I’m on my phone, usually watching TikTok.
What do you dream about?
When I remember my dreams they normally tell me something I need to know in my real life, like a situation or person I should avoid, or a strong gut feeling about someone or something. My dreams often warn me or remind me if something’s about to happen. They are very intuitive and occur in direct connection to my waking life.
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