Interview: Empowering Communities with Seventy + Mochi
By Heather Snowden
It’s not every day a brand talks about empowering communities through clothing and actually means it, but Seventy + Mochi isn’t a regular, everyday brand. Kindness is baked into the core of Haya Iqbal Ahmed’s denim label, which she founded in 2020 as a tribute to family, community, and conscious craftsmanship. The factory she employs to create her wears has been part of Haya’s family’s operations for the last 70 years, meaning she can oversee a transparent supply chain that guarantees ethical production for both people and planet.
The brand’s denim transcends the typical fashion calendar; they don’t respond to trends but focus on longevity and quality. They also collaborate frequently with other women-helmed businesses and social enterprises, striving to uplift marginalised communities. So, of course, partnering with Give Your Best was a match made in heaven.
Shortly before the partnership was unveiled, we sat down with Seventy + Mochi to find out more about the brand and how it aligns with Give Your Best.
What does the name Seventy + Mochi mean? What’s the story there?
The brand's name pays homage to Haya's family's textile legacy, tracing back to 1949 when her grandparents opened a shop at No. 70 on Mochi Lane in Karachi, Pakistan. Drawing inspiration from this rich heritage, Seventy + Mochi was established to merge traditional craftsmanship with contemporary, sustainable fashion practices.
How would you describe the Seventy + Mochi style in three words?
Innovative, timeless, and unique.
You say you “believe in jeans done the right way.” What does that mean?
It reflects our commitment to quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship. It’s about creating jeans that look great and are made with integrity using eco-friendly materials, employing ethical production methods, and ensuring longevity in each piece.
Why did you choose to partner with Give Your Best?
The Give Your Best partnership allows us to align with a like-minded platform that shares our values of sustainability, ethical practices, and community empowerment. [We want to] support communities through ethical business practices and showcase our consciously kind denim to a broader audience.
Do you believe that fashion and clothing are tools for empowerment?
Absolutely. For Seventy + Mochi, this belief comes through in our dedication to creating pieces that are stylish and made with integrity. By prioritising sustainable practices, ethical production, and community support, we empower the wearers of our clothes and the people who produce them.
What do you think of the current state of the fashion industry? What needs to change?
The fashion industry is evolving, with progress in sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity. However, it still struggles with overconsumption, fast fashion, and transparency. We need to prioritise sustainability, ethical production, and transparent supply chains. Brands should focus on quality over trends and create long-lasting pieces. The industry must shift towards slow fashion and a focus on impact for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
What’s next for Seventy + Mochi?
We are excited to announce the launch of our Mini Mochi Collection, a playful yet timeless addition to our lineup. We're also expanding our offerings with knitwear, which will be launching soon. This collection is the perfect blend of comfort, style, and eco-conscious production. We're excited to continue innovating and expanding our brand to offer more wardrobe staples that are both fashion-forward and sustainably made.
What advice would you give to brands trying to be more sustainable?
Be transparent: Understand and communicate your environmental and social impact.
Use sustainable materials: Choose eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton or recycled fibres.
Ensure ethical production: Partner with manufacturers who uphold fair labour practices.
Reduce waste: Focus on smaller, seasonless collections and offer repair services or product take-backs.
Eco-friendly packaging: Use recyclable, biodegradable, or minimal packaging.
Engage customers: Educate customers on sustainability and encourage mindful choices.
Track progress: Measure your environmental impact and set improvement goals.
Collaborate: Work with other brands and innovators to share knowledge.
Commit long-term: Set measurable, long-term sustainability goals and keep improving.
The Give Your Best x Seventy + Mochi partnership is part of an ongoing relationship that serves to empower the women in our community through clothing and dignity of choice. In addition to donations to the Give Your Best online store, Seventy + Mochi products can be found in our Islington location. Find us here.