ABOUT/PORTFOLIO
EST 2009
Manuka Rakau Maybeleen Clarke , a New Zealand-born, UK-raised designer with English/ Irish roots, based in California, embarked on her lingerie journey in 2005 after the birth of her second daughter, taking a break from her role in the music industry as a project coordinator and publishing agent for well known music producer and major labels. Struggling to find comfortable yet beautiful lingerie that suited her changing body, especially with her fuller figure, she set out to create her own. With a background in costume design, and sewing skills passed down from generation to generation she got to work. Driven by a desire for sustainable fabrics that were not only soft, luxurious, and breathable, but also comfortable, she began designing pieces that were as stylish as they were functional. Incorporating French stretch lace and silk satin ribbons, she added a playful, feminine touch to each piece incorporating hand dying, and screen printing her mothers art to the fabric.
Before long, her friends took notice of the knickers, bralettes, and loungewear she had scattered around her home—and asked for their own. Thus, the brand "MANU" was born and found its way onto the shelves of California stores. At that time, as a single mother of two, Manuka joined FARR WEST, an American-made brand established in 1968. In 2014, driven by a passion to preserve its legacy, Manuka became the proud owner of FARR WEST.
Since 2010, Manuka’s guiding philosophy has been “The gift of comfort you give yourself,” a motto that continues to resonate today, as relevant and important as ever. Manuka's career has also seen her design lingerie costumes for HBO's Boardwalk Empire, and she has been featured in Style Factory and Los Angeles Apparel News among many other accolades, including collaborations with Klauber Lace and notable fashion publications.
NZEDGE.COM The Global Life of New Zealanders
GOOD TIMES Santa Cruz Meet MANU
STYLE FACTORY - Manuka Clarke with Farr West
FARR WEST is now owned and operated by the TOWN SHOP out of New York.
In other news some of Manuka’s music career notes project coordination credits for the following albums and projects.
Rusted Root “Welcome To My Party”, KIm Richey “ Rise” Lost Highway, Five For Fighting - Sony “ Battle For Everything” , Rosanne Cash “ Black Cadillac” , Lisa Marie Presley - writing sessions Captiol Records” , Tom Petty, Elton John - mixing budgets and coordination “ Songs From The West Coast”, James Blunt/Linda Perry, Luan Parle - Sony Ireland, Benji Hughes - New West, Bill Bottrell and Stokemen, Million Dollar Music, Williams Place Studio. Strong belief in musicians rights, copyright, and ethical royalty allocation.
In regards to fashion Manuka believes that every person deserves to feel good in their lingerie. Her mission is to provide comfort, elegance, and sensuality, embracing the beauty of all bodies through timeless pieces with a modern twist.
“LINGERIE FOR EVERY BODY”
