MAKE IT WET
Interview by Ella Kenneally @ella_kenneally
Photographers: Ben Lister @by.benlister, George Verinder @georgeverinderr, Morgan Barfield @morganbarfield
Creative Directors: Meg Hughes @meg.hughes and Ben Lister @by.benlister
Stylists: Inca Mooney @inca_mooney and Meg Hughes @meg.hughes
Models: Hailun from The Model Club @hailunnnnnn, Poppy Cleary @poppycleary
Content and Shoot Assistant: Ed Naish @eddnaish
BTS/Vlog: Harry Taylor and Joey Miller @by.harrytaylor @by.joeym
Socials: Elliot Taylor @elliot.tay
Drenched in boldness and dripping with innovation, Meg Hughes, the force behind Make It Wet, is making serious waves. From second-skin wetsuit tops to statement puffer bags, her designs are anything but ordinary. Blending craftsmanship with sustainability and playfulness with practicality, she always keeps things hot, fresh, and daring. With deadstock fabrics reborn into sculptural bags and waxed cotton reimagined as high-fashion, her creations demand attention - and trust us, they deserve it. Now, with a freshly dropped Nike collab, Make It Wet isn’t just making waves - it’s making a tidal wave.
How would you describe your design aesthetic in three words?
Daring, hot, fresh
What is the story behind your latest collection, The Wetsuit Range, and when can we expect to see it drop?
The wetsuit collection has been in the works for quite some time, inspired by the sleek, form-fitting nature of traditional wetsuits, but these tops are hotttt! I’ve made some in a light weight, almost translucent material that keeps a seductive touch to the brand. I’ve also designed a few pieces using waxed cotton. Known for its durability and water-resistant properties, waxed cotton has been a trusted fabric for outerwear for centuries. It’s made by coating cotton with wax to create a barrier between water and wind - kind of like the jackets fishermen used to wear back in the day. I can’t wait to share the underwater shoot I’ve been working on, once this is released the tops will be too. I promise!
Your statement puffer bags have been turning heads and gaining a lot of buzz. What inspired their unique
design?
The bags were inspired by buoyancy aids originally, with the circular details symbolising octopus suckers. After I noticed the attention they were getting I started making them in all shapes and sizes, playing with straps and fastenings. For the bags I only use deadstock fabrics, which means the size and shape of each one depends on how big the scrap of fabric is. Texture is a huge element of the design, often I use shiny ripstops which gives the idea that they’re wet to touch. There’s a real element of play when it comes to the bags and I’m so grateful I get to share that with people!
How do you incorporate sustainability into your designs?
Sustainability is a major part of MIW, not only are all garments made right here in Manchester, they’re made with a true love for craftmanship and honest design. When I first started out the idea of sustainability was so daunting to me, but as the brands growing I’m realising there’s so many ways to be sustainable. All designs including print are created using sublimation printing, on organic recycled fabrics. All bags are made by hand using deadstock fabrics, any scraps accumulated after cutting them out are chopped up and used as stuffing. When making products I keep the stock low, this creates high demand whilst also giving me to time to make and appreciate what I’m creating, instead of making clothes for the sake of it.
Career highlight so far?
The highlight of my career so far is probably the fashion show in China. After I left university, I was feeling pretty deflated and wasn’t sure how I was going to get seen. A while after I got shortlisted for the Hempel Award in China alongside 30 contestants from all over the world. I met some incredible designers, It was a whirlwind of judge critiques, curtain calls and trying to understand what anyone was saying, but something I’ll never forget.
What’s next for you - any exciting projects or collaborations?
I’m currently working on a collaboration with Nike, which is obviously massive for me! I was contacted and asked to make a collection of 8 looks for both the London and Manchester store to go with the release of their new trainers. It’s been the quickest deadline of my life but also the biggest opportunity, having never worked with a big brand before I’m learning so much as well as gaining confidence in myself.
