Illa
/Show Day
DAY3, OCT24
/Social Media
Illa designed by Zaheeda Merchant, a Fashion Design graduate from Blanch MacDonald in Vancouver, B.C., is a conscious brand on the journey of luxurious sustainable fashion. A brand where nature and opulence coexist marrying ancient wisdom and natural materials with modern influences and European construction. This is recognized most significantly in the way Illa uses textiles such as leather in unconventional ways while designs are sophisticated and uniquely timeless.
Illa’s classically elegant ‘Desert Flower’ Collection inspired by the designers travels and routes in India and Africa debuts at Vancouver Fashion Week’s Spring/Summer 2025 show in October 2024. Core textiles used in the collection include: leather, silk, bamboo, cotton, linen and hemp constructed with the highest quality silk and Egyptian cotton threads. The Desert Flower Collection includes movement, flow, soft colours with vibrant pops of mint green, lilac and pink. Applique details and handwork speak to the designers couture influence and training.
Leather use is influenced by the philosophy and practices from Indian and native traditions in which consumption is circular and in harmony with nature. These cultures give us lessons on how to consume in alignment with the environment. Working with nature where to use the entire animal and all parts of it out of respect for the earths’ gifts. This includes the skin which is compostable and sustainable with its ability to withstand decades and even lifetimes of use. Illa chooses this method over polyester and vegan leathers made from plastic and oil that do not compost polluting the soil, water and air.
Illa’s strives to contribute to advances in sustainability within the fashion industry while creating timeless pieces designed to be sophisticated, edgy, glamourous and fun.
PREVIOUS COLLECTIONS
What inspired you to become a fashion designer?
A passion for combining natural materials, craftsmanship, and contemporary fashion led to the creation of ILLA. The work explores how ancient traditions and natural resources can be brought together with modern influences and European construction.
How would you describe your design style?
The style combines sophisticated silhouettes with natural materials, couture inspired handwork, and unconventional use of textiles. The designs balance elegance and edge while maintaining a timeless quality.
What can people expect from your collection?
The collection, Desert Flower, draws inspiration from travels and roots in India and Africa. It features flowing silhouettes, soft colours with vibrant pops of mint green, lilac, and pink, along with appliqué details and handwork. Materials include leather, silk, bamboo, cotton, linen, and hemp.
How do your travels and cultural roots influence your designs?
Travels and cultural roots in India and Africa play an important role in the creative direction. These influences can be seen in the colours, movement, materials, and craftsmanship used throughout the collection.
Why is leather an important material in your approach to sustainable fashion?
The use of leather is influenced by Indian and Indigenous traditions that view consumption as circular and emphasize using the entire animal out of respect for nature. The approach considers the durability and compostability of leather as an alternative to polyester and plastic based vegan leather.