A contemporary luxury design label demonstrating an immense display of craftsmanship & talent, the eponymous Ilyes Ouali has recently been one of our major brand crushes. In the span of a few collections Ilyes has created a line-up of classic statement pieces, which will instantly fit in well with any modern style connoisseur’s wardrobe (his AW17 collection featured some of the most beautiful structured dresses & frilled trousers).
Creating pieces which are not only beautifully aesthetic but also imbibe the street style sartorial movement, Ilyes Ouali has redefined the meaning of uber-cool ready-to-wear (which we’re absolutely loving). Deeply intrigued by the design maestro’s journey and brand philosophy, we decided to sit in conversation with Ilyes himself to discover the world of Ilyes Ouali.
THE ILYES OUALI JOURNEY
Ilyes: I have aspired to start fashion designing since I can remember; I’ve always been interested in drawing and going through my mom’s Vogue magazines since I was about 8 years old. The real start of the brand was when I felt I was ready to present a collection that meets my expectations. The journey has been very exciting! Since the first minute I launched the collection online I had such great feedback from everyone that I know, plus we got contacted by people that we didn’t know. I had so much support from many people, which gave me a greater incentive to do better in the future.
Photo: Courtesy of Ilyes Ouali / In collaboration with @serrabellum
ILYES’ MANY SOURCES OF INSPIRATION
Ilyes: Every time I decide to start a collection, I try to identify my state of mind first. It’s very important to me that my inspiration is related to what I’m feeling at that time; then I relate my personal feelings with objects, people, colours…
Photo: Courtesy of Ilyes Ouali / In collaboration with @serrabellum
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Ilyes: Social media has been a big priority since the brand was established. I had discussed with my PR manager, G.Morello, and we decided to put everything live on Instagram and the website at the same time, The result was positive feedback, which was essential, because nowadays it’s very important to have a strong plan for social media to get a wider exposure and more contacts.
A USUAL DAY IN ILYES’ LIFE
Ilyes: Since I’m still at university, my days are very busy. I try to squeeze everything in one day, from my uni work to working on my new collection. It’s very hard, but at the same time I do enjoy all the processes, as I feel good being busy.
Photo: Courtesy of Ilyes Ouali / In collaboration with @serrabellum
ILYES’ CLOSET ESSENTIALS & SEASONAL ‘MUST-HAVES’
Ilyes: I would say a closet essential is most certainly a timeless, tailored black blazer; it goes with everything at every time and everywhere. I can give you some inside scoop; I’m working on a black blazer as a masterpiece for my next collection. For me, a seasonal ‘must-have’ is a pair of flared trousers.
THE INSIDER TIP TO ASPIRING DESIGNERS
Ilyes: My advice to aspiring designers is that fashion is a very hard industry, but never give up on your dreams, because the result that comes after all the hard work is worth every obstacle. I live for fashion and designing and it was always my ultimate dream, and now I’m living this dream and yet the best is to come.
Photo: Courtesy of Ilyes Ouali / In collaboration with @serrabellum
Follow Ilyes Ouali: @ilyes.ouali