This week I had the pleasure of visiting my good friend, Isabella Longginou, in her studio. This magical area in the bottom of her gorgeous house, is where she designs and sews her amazing pieces. While I was snapping photos and chatting, Isabella was cutting patterns and making custom orders to be shipped out that following day.
Every time I go over to her house and her work studio she makes me fall in love with everything she has created and is in the works of creating. Her new Summer/Spring line has dropped on her website this week (pre-orders are already being taken) and although the line is small, I find myself wanting every piece. This Brisbane native has a keen eye for creating chic, romantic and flirty sillouhettes that make any girl feel amazing. Besides having her own line that is sold to the public through her website and in some select places, she also has made a business of making custom orders. Isabella loves making outfits for herself when she has special occasions. Every time she steps out in one of her custom made garments for a night on the town, a wedding, or a dinner party, she has her friends making orders for the same exact outfit by the end of the night.
I have been close with Isabella since moving to Brisbane and I have always wanted to sit down and have an interview with her about her line, her goals, and her vision. Now I have finally gotten the chance to do that! I cant wait to share it with you all!
What was the inspiration for your S/S 14' line?: You know its funny, I always try and think of what my inspiration is and I honestly dont have just one. I am constantly looking at magazines and editorials, I cover my studio with everything that inspires me (as you can tell). Once I see something I like, I get an inspiration to make something. It feels like each piece comes to me separately. After making a few pieces out of fabrics and materials that I love, I always think of other pieces that I can make out of the same material.
Who is the IL customer?:
IL inspires the beautiful, the playful and the feminine. Her pieces attract women who want to look classic and chic in their every day lives whilst still maintaining a form of simplicity and ease.
Who is your favourite designer?:
My favourite designer would have to be Gucci. I love the modern 70's theme that flows through each collection. All pieces are so wearable, so inspiring and just "cool".
If you could sell your line in any department store or boutique what would it be?:
I would love to have my collections in David Jones and if I were to choose a department store overseas, I would choose Bergdorf Goodman.
What direction do you see your label to going in the next 5 years?:
Within the next 5 years I am hoping to be stocked in boutiques across australia and within the next 10 years to be stocking overseas and to have my own shop/s either in Australia or overseas.
