Fashion For The Fearless
Designer and fashion maven Louise Elia is here to bring high fashion to your at-home wardrobe with her highly-coveted line, ELIYA THE LABEL.
Photographer: Lauren Schulz; Model: Carla Martinez; Hair and Makeup: Laura Difrancesco; Stylist: Styled By Bloom (Paul Versace) | Model wears the Leah Dress, $349
Coming into the origin, somewhat unconventionally, ELIYA THE LABEL humbly began in the home garage of founder and creative director, Louise Elia. The Australian-based artist designs ready-to-wear statement pieces for the bold, confident, and self-aware modern women of the world. In an exclusive interview, Elia shares the inspirational story of how an industrial chemist turned a seemingly unobtainable dream-life into a thriving reality. As a young girl, Louise dreamt of a future life of glamour — becoming completely enthralled in her collection of fashion magazines. Like many, the notion to choose a more conventional and realistic career influenced her to follow a stereotypical path to “success.” Her dedication to higher education awarded her acceptance into Monash University, where she obtained a degree in Pharmaceutical Science. Comparing herself to other classmates, Elia quickly noted the passion they had for their studies, and how she lacked that similarity. After graduating, and starting her career as an industrial chemist, her inability to feel that same passion remained unfulfilled. Seeking the counsel of her senior co-workers, the evolution of their careers solidified her decision to leave that industry. Instead, Elia followed her true passion – fashion. This new dedication, coupled with the encouraging support from her parents and loving partner, ELIYA THE LABEL was born.
The now-designer loved planning her attire to express her unique and bold personality. Throughout her life, Louise would always take notice of what the surrounding people were wearing. When passersby would approach to compliment her outfit, Elia felt an overwhelming passion — one that had been missing during her previous career. “It was an incredible feeling to be complimented like that and I thought, ‘wouldn’t it be amazing if I could help others feel this way?’” Along with her belief that fashion is not only what you wear – but who you are – her inner call urged Elia to help women feel their most beautiful self. Further coupled with her desire to create unique pieces, Elia’s key inspiration became the muse to her intricate designs. The future is female, and the fabric of ELIYA’s elaborate silhouettes found in its signature womenswear allowed her to focus on designing for women specifically to achieve that desired goal. “In the fashion world, being ‘different’ doesn’t simply mean putting a new embellishment on an old design. At ELIYA, we’ve always wanted to be bold so when I design, I like to juxtapose different elements; especially in ways that people would typically not think of.” ELIYA’s designs are made for the self-aware, empowered, confident, and trendsetting consumer. With the company having access to the modern commerce channels of social media, the sought-after label has been able to reach 12 countries and stock over 60 boutiques. Social media has gifted ELIYA with the ability to have and to design for an international audience, allowing Elia to explore deeper ranges of diversity within her designs.
Countries tend to have their own take on fashion trends, and religious affiliations that require certain criteria to be met for their wardrobes; and an ELIYA design accommodates all. For her Middle Eastern customers, she offers pieces that are modest, can be layered, and are culturally appropriate while remaining true to the empowering ELIYA high fashion philosophy. In contrast, to more modest designs, Elia has several pieces that incorporate scuba and crêpe fabrics that appeal to her consumers in the United States wanting to show off their ever-coveted hourglass shapes. In an even greater effort to keep up with the fast pace of the fashion industry, Elia and ELIYA THE LABEL release a new and unique covet-worthy collection for each season. “Ultimately, we design entirely for our customers, so 2020 will simply be the year where we do more of that,” shares Elia. “I’m incredibly excited to share that I’ll be getting married in 2021, and in planning that I’ve discovered — there are so few truly gorgeous bridesmaid dresses out there. Naturally, we’ll be looking to change that with our very own Bridesmaid Capsule Collection for 2020.” Something to look forward to.
Suzie Blazer, $299
