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Cape Town-based designer Isabel de Villiers has one of the few fashion brands that’s able to flawlessly design garments that fit women of all shapes and all sizes.
De Villiers’ designs are modern and effortless, and they live up to the brand’s promise to provoke confidence, power, strength and beauty in the women who enjoy them.
The designer says her autumn/winter collection, which was shown at SA Fashion Week last month, consists of nine strong and trusted styles in different fabrics and colours that are inspired by the galaxy.
“Our winter collection is inspired by the unknown, unexplored universe around us, the future. In times of chance and uncertainties, we look up to the stars, the Milky Way and the moon for guidance and light,” De Villiers explains.
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Made locally and ethically, only a limited number of garments in each style are produced, each with clean lines and figure-flattering silhouettes that exude a minimalistic touch.
“Our galaxy print in either yellow and black or silver and grey is an exclusive and limited edition. We infused the suede-look satin fabric into the collection for those special occasions.”
De Villiers says the bonbon fabric is a firm favourite in this collection because it doesn’t crease and dries quickly.
“This is the ideal fabric for women who lead busy lives. The brushed melton is perfect for those icy cold winter mornings, and the rayon twill is a versatile natural blend that is super soft on the skin and lightweight for trans-seasonal weather.”
Each collection starts with research to inspire the concept and theme for that season.
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“Once we’ve decided on the theme, we go to the drawing board to draw the silhouettes and shapes we would like to explore, as well as the feeling we want our garments to provoke. We design with all shapes and sizes in mind,” De Villiers says.
“It’s in the sampling process where it all comes together. Each design should flatter and celebrate the female body. It’s all about confidence and body positivity, and about feeling brave and beautiful. We want all women to be included.”
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When asked about her favourite garment in the collection, De Villiers struggles to name just one item, but she eventually settles on a coat.
“I love all of them, but I have a personal link to the reversible galaxy coat. I feel fearless and unstoppable when I wear the coat. And the item I wear the most is the drape dress – it’s such an easy slip-on and go piece.”
And will we see the return of her famous laser-cut dresses?
“Yes, definitely. We are currently working on some new designs and shapes for our laser-cut pieces for summer. They are our signature pieces and we will be making them for many years to come.”
- Buy Isabel de Villiers’ designs on isabeldevilliers.com and spree.co.za
