Mana Fashion: a new pulse in Miami’s style scene

13 June 2025

Launched in 2022, the fashion division of Moishe Mana’s Mana Common, continues its programming benefitting creatives in the global fashion industry with affordable studio spaces in Downtown Miami, along with a new wholesale showroom helping brands conne

Matilda, tell us more about you, what was your background before stepping into your role at Mana two years ago?

I began my career in the retail industry 20 years ago through Macy’s Executive Buying Training Program. I was one of just 12 selected after completing an 8-week internship—and it was there that I truly fell in love with the industry. Since then, I’ve held various roles within the fashion buying world across the domestic retail, travel retail, and duty-free sectors. Over the past five years, I’ve consulted for a range of companies and brands, and had the opportunity to speak at major trade shows including Sourcing at Magic and Première Vision. In addition to my industry work, I’ve also served as an educator at Istituto Marangoni and currently at Miami Dade College Fashion Institute, where I enjoy sharing knowledge and helping shape the next generation of fashion professionals.

Mana recently launched a new initiative offering affordable spaces for designers and innovators. What’s the story behind it, and who’s making use of these spaces right now?

Mr. Moishe Mana’s vision has always centered around unity, collaboration, and support - and it’s through these core pillars that the idea for the Creative Spaces was born. At Mana Fashion Services, our mission is to bring the fashion community together by offering accessible, affordable workspaces where creatives can connect, collaborate, and bring their visions to life. Today, our spaces are home to a diverse mix of local and international brands, stylists, photographers, artists, wholesale showrooms - and even the first-ever shoe museum!

The newest addition to the Mana Fashion family is the Biscayne Showroom, a full-service wholesale hub that debuted this spring inside the Biscayne Building. What’s the vision behind this space?

The vision behind the Biscayne Wholesale Showroom is to provide emerging domestic and international brands with the opportunity to find the right retail placement. As retail continues to evolve, turning a brand into a profitable business has become more challenging than ever. This showroom is designed to serve as a springboard for brands ready to take the next step, connecting them with the right audience and helping them grow their business.

You lead brand relations, arguably one of the most crucial roles in a fashion company. What guides your decisions when selecting brands, and which ones are you currently championing?

Yes, it’s definitely a crucial role, but also one I genuinely enjoy. My years of experience as a buyer, and now being on the other side working with wholesale brands, have equipped me with a clear understanding of what to look for. When evaluating a brand, I focus on key elements like price points, product quality, brand DNA, brand voice, supply chain readiness, and a strong understanding of the U.S. market. It’s important to differentiate between a passion project and a viable business, both are valid, but since retail operates as a for-profit industry, we have to be strategic in our selections.Right now, I’m especially excited about championing emerging Latin American brands. There’s incredible talent and creativity in the region, and we’re only beginning to scratch the surface. I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead.

You’re also teaming up with Swim Show. Can you give us a sneak peek of what’s coming?

Yes, our collaboration with Swim Show is one of my favorite initiatives this year. The iconic show has been a trusted resource for our buying community for decades, so partnering with them feels like a natural and organic extension of our mission and ongoing initiatives.We’re taking part in the tradeshow, hosting a panel featuring key opinion leaders in the industry, organizing a buyers’ breakfast, and even placing one of our wholesale brands in the WGSN Swim Lab Incubator Program. We’re truly doing it all, and we're proud to spearhead these efforts alongside such a respected partner.