THE TIDES MELODY
Interview Arielle Chambers
Words Latoya P. Henry
Images Courtesy Of Omen PR
Sparking interest and intrigue, new wave designer Iyala Ane debut her second womenswear collection for NYFW at the historic Pearl River Mart, located in the heart of Soho. The New York City based designer always-craved design, and with thorough contemplation Ane took initiative to progress forward with that aspiration. Empowering her own abilities along with women like herself. As a designer Ane conveys a distinctive and contemporary design for the versatile woman.
Believing fashion is a form of expressive art for the body, while finding most pride in distancing her aesthetic from the typical norms. Ane Amour spring-summer 17 collection gathers inspiration from the designer’s travels, viewing different environments and finding an emotional connection with the ocean. Entitled “Siren’s Song”, the collection celebrates the beauty of color, sound and the sea’s ambience. Reminiscent of the ocean waves, Ane reflected this notion by articulating the unique sounds during the show and through the dramatic silhouettes of the collection, while remaining true to the brand’s perspective. Before the show we had a moment to discuss with Iyala Ane about the concept of her first collection and the visual behind the woman wearing her garments.
What was your inspiration behind this collection?
My inspiration was the ocean. I spent great deal of time living in Hawaii and just travelling around the world, spending a lot of time by the sea. The color pallet derived from sunsets and sunset times on the beach. A bunch of the silhouettes and the design ideas were about the different variations of the ocean. How the ocean can be calm some days and can be turbulent on others. Many pieces were born out of the changing cycles of the water.
What feeling would you like people to have when they wear your clothes?
Love for themselves and love for what they’re wearing, and realizing that they’re being expressive. Furthermore the clothing is a vehicle to present and put itself out in the world.
You’re actually the first person I’ve seen to have a reflective runway. Why did you choose it?
It was meant to give a bit of a watery feel and the ocean itself is a pretty reflective entity.
Beautiful execution. What would you like for the consumer to get from your clothes?
Just exceptional quality, they know where it’s coming from. It’s all made in New York. I’m a very hands-on designer, so my team is with the customers, giving them hugs every week and things like that. Again I would like women to feel good, it’s mostly about confidence, joy and love of yourself.
What is one word to sum up your collection?
That’s a hard one. Organic!