Hey, B&B Friends. If there’s anything that I can honestly say I’m addicted to other than amazing beauty products, it’s definitely shoes. The right pair of shoes can instantly take any look from drab to fab. Speaking of fab, I got the chance to interview the amazingly talented luxury shoe designer Layla-Joy about her glam IYLIA Collection and how she’s managed to have longevity in the fashion industry. She’s designed for Michael Kors and Stuart Weitzman and is now the CEO and Head Designer of her own luxury brand. Werk! Prepare to be inspired.
How did you get your start in the fashion industry?
Design chose me. I came out of the womb designing! It wasn’t uncommon to see me sketching in a corner as a child. I was very quiet and observant and captured my surroundings on paper. That passion only developed as I grew. It propelled me into a love of architecture initially and then later into a degree in Industrial Design. Design is my gift and shoe design is my passion.
I’ve been in the fashion industry for over 14 years. I graduated with honors from the Pratt Institute; I’ve designed for some of the top names in footwear from Converse and Nina Shoes to Michael Kors and Stuart Weitzman.
My entrepreneurial spirit has allowed me to realize my lifelong dream of being CEO and Head Designer of my own luxury brand: IYLIA Collection.
What inspired you to launch IYLIA Collection?
As a pedestrian city, New York requires you to really ‘walk’, it was often difficult to find shoes that held up to the challenge without breaking, hurting or blistering my feet. I’ve purchased fabulous shoes from amazing places like 10 Corso Como in Milan, and Gallerie Lafayette in Paris and still found myself having to re-sole, stretch and ‘doctor’ most of them just so I could get through the day. And shoes from lesser known or inexpensive brands didn’t fare any better. It was a watershed moment for me— I realized that if they aren’t going to do it, I will!
I’m incredibly proud of providing a solution to a need for fashionable, functional, transitional and comfortable shoes that won’t require you to remortgage your home to purchase!
What sets your brand apart from others?
I set out to create a collection of shoes for women like me (an uptown, traveling girl) who loves fashion and heels…someone who on any given day wakes up in one city and goes to bed in another. Because travel is so much a part of my life, I took into account the need to travel and pack lightly. So for me it was imperative that my footwear be transitional, shoes that can take a woman from day to night and work for any occasion or look. I’m also at a stage in my life where I only want to purchase really good, well-made pieces that will last…so that’s what I created.
You have experience designing shoes for major luxury brands, what was that experience like?
Through out my career I’ve had the opportunity to work with several luxury brands and designers, I’ve worked directly with Michael Kors and Stuart Weitzman. My experience in development in women’s and children’s branded fashion footwear includes casual, evening and fashion sports leisure product. Footwear also enabled me to travel the world, which I’m infinitely grateful for. There were times in my career where I was out of the country every couple of weeks to trend or to visit factories…it’s allowed me the opportunity to absorb a variety of cultures. It’s fed my sensibilities and my art.
What are key qualities to look for when shopping for a quality shoe?
- Make sure you select your proper size, in other words – what fits your foot best.
- Never, Ever try to ‘stretch’ a shoe on your foot. Whenever I hear a sales person tell a customer to do that, I cringe. Your feet are not tools for stretching your shoes.
- Purchase a shoe that properly fits and don’t be afraid to go half a size larger in order to compensate for the natural swelling that occurs when you’re on your feet all day.
- Purchase shoes made out of materials that allow the foot to breathe (like leather), especially in warmer months.
What’s the best professional advice you’ve received while working in the fashion business?
If it wasn’t hard, everyone would do it.
What advice do you have for aspiring designers who are trying to break into the industry?
Always have a goal in mind so that you have something to work towards. Determination and hard work are key.
What’s your personal mantra?
Don’t you dare give up!
What else can we expect from IYLIA? Any exciting new projects we should have on our radar?
We’ve just launched our new website ( www.iylia.com ) which features all of our Spring/Summer 2015 looks and some pre- sale Fall / Winter 2015 styles. I’m also in the process of designing for Spring/Summer 2016. This year IYLIA will also participate in Premiere Class in Paris in September and Art Basel in Miami in December.
Be sure to check out the new website and to show love by following @IYLIACOLLECTION on Instagram!
Ciao Bellas,
