Ruffles, Resilience & Reimagining Slow Fashion: Inside Sisterhood Studios
- Erin-Louise
- Oct 22
- 4 min read
A celebration of craft, connection, and creativity — Sisterhood Studios reminds us that slow fashion is not just about what we wear, but the hands and hearts that make it.
By Erin-Louise
22 Oct 2025
Some brands just feel like a conversation between friends — thoughtful, warm, and full of heart. Sisterhood Studios is exactly that. Founded by a young Scottish creative with a love for texture, storytelling, and the kind of femininity that feels both playful and powerful, the brand celebrates slow fashion through handmade-to-order accessories that are anything but ordinary.
We first came across Sisterhood Studios on TikTok, where founder Diane shares the real, unfiltered side of running a business — from quiet studio days to moments of self-doubt and joy. Her honesty instantly drew us in, but it’s her signature ruffled designs and commitment to reworking textile waste that truly set her apart. In this edition of Behind the Brand, we talk about starting a label in your early twenties, building confidence as a creative, and the quiet power of creating something with your own two hands.
Q&A with Diane
What first inspired you to start Sisterhood Studios and why accessories and bags?
I always dreamed of starting a fashion brand, but I quickly realised that you need a lot of money behind you to make that happen. Accessories and bags felt like the perfect starting point — they’re more accessible to create, they still let me explore design, craftsmanship, and storytelling, and they allow me to build a brand rooted in sustainability without the huge upfront costs of clothing production.
Your signature ruffles are so distinctive. What do they represent for you, and how did they become central to your designs?
I’ve always gravitated towards designers like Simone Rocha and Molly Goddard, who use volume and ruffles to create this sense of drama and femininity. Over time, they’ve become central to my work.
Can you walk us through the process of making one of your bags, from idea to finished piece?
My design process often starts with the materials rather than a sketch. Since I work with up-cycled textile waste, the fabric itself guides me — its texture, weight, and story shape what the bag can become. This isn’t always the most traditional way of designing, and it can be challenging at times because I’m working with limitations and irregularities instead of endless choice, but I make it work.
Starting a brand is no small feat. What has been the biggest challenge — and the biggest joy — of running your own label so young?
Honestly, the biggest challenge has been myself. I can be my own worst enemy when it comes to self-belief — questioning if I’m good enough, if my work is strong enough, if people will connect with it.
But then someone comes up to me and says, ‘I love my new bag,’ and I get to quietly think to myself, I made that bag. That’s the joy. It’s such a simple thing, but it feels huge — like proof that something I poured myself into can go out into the world and be loved.
How does being based in Scotland shape your work and your creative vision?
I would say people! I’m constantly inspired by the incredible talent of creatives around me. Scotland may be small, but it’s full of makers, designers, and artists.
Handmade to order is the opposite of fast fashion. What do you love most about creating this way?
Creating handmade to order is that every piece has space to breathe — there’s time to think, to experiment. A big part of my custom design process is inviting the customer to create alongside me. I love giving them the freedom to shape the design, choose the textures, and add personal touches. It turns the bag into a shared creation — a piece that reflects both my vision and theirs.
How would you describe your own style, and how does it influence your designs?
I’d describe my style as feminine, playful, and a little childlike — I love having fun with prints, textures, and unexpected details. That sense of joy and curiosity really carries over into my designs.
The name Sisterhood Studios feels intentional. What does “sisterhood” mean to you in the context of your brand?
People inspire me, but women inspire me even more. For me, it’s about the connection, support, and shared creativity. It’s the idea that we don’t have to go through life — or fashion — alone.
What would you say to other young creatives who dream of starting their own fashion brand but don’t know where to begin?
I’d say: just do it. Don’t wait for the perfect plan or for everything to feel safe — start, even if you fail.
What’s next for Sisterhood Studios? Do you see yourself expanding into new designs, or is the magic in keeping it small and special?
Right now, I’m working full-time in the fashion industry, which gives me incredible experience, but my dream is to put my full energy into my small business. At the moment, I’m focusing on accessories and really honing my skills, making sure every piece reflects the care and creativity I want the brand to be known for. I’m also exploring the idea of rebranding — thinking about how to evolve both myself and the label in a way that feels authentic. For me, the magic is in keeping it personal and intentional, while still leaving room to grow and experiment.
Sisterhood Studio is proof that you don’t need a big studio or a huge team to create something meaningful — just passion, purpose, and a whole lot of heart. Rooted in community and creativity, every ruffled bag tells a story of care, connection, and individuality. It’s a brand that feels deeply personal, like a conversation between maker and wearer. And as we wrapped up our chat with Diane, one thing was clear: Sisterhood Studios isn’t just about accessories — it’s about building a space where creativity, kindness, and craftsmanship come together.
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