ABOUT
EST 2009
Manuka Rakau Maybeleen Clarke AKA MANU , a New Zealand-born, UK-raised designer with Irish roots, based in California, embarked on her lingerie journey in 2005 after the birth of her second daughter. Struggling to find comfortable yet beautiful lingerie that suited her changing body, especially with her fuller figure, she set out to create her own. 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.
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.
Now residing in Mendocino, California, Manuka is opening a charming brick-and-mortar lingerie boutique in downtown Mendocino. Here, she personally fits clients, offering both custom designs and luxurious off-the-rack lingerie under her labels, the original “MANU” and "Manuka Clarke." With the support of her family, friends, daughters, and her own expertise, she curates a global selection of lingerie, both for her store and online presence.
Since 2010, Manuka’s guiding philosophy has been “The gift of comfort you give yourself,” a motto that continues to resonate in 2025, 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.
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”
