One to watch: Jill Aiko Yee

Jill Aiko Yee comes from Milwaukee and grew up wanting to become a contemporary ballet dancer, a far cry from the talented designer she is today. After travelling to Europe to audition for dance companies Jill realised that a life on the stage wasn’t for her. Soon after this she moved out to California to study at the Otis College of Art and Design and since then she hasn’t looked back.

Jill’s label consists of two parts, one which is called Jill Aiko Yee which is all about bold dressing for the modern woman. Consisting of femininity, sensuality, rich colours, confidence and style it captures your eye and will transform your style. The other line is called Itterations which focuses on the quality of fit, mobility and comfort. Each item in an Itterations collection is hand dyed and individual yet available in a variety of fabrics which pays testament to the brands idea of when you find something which works you should stick to it.

I arranged a interview with Jill to see what inspires her and what she has planned for the brand

1.  What inspires you as a designer?

My two biggest inspirations are tribal/native cultures, and nature.  The color of both these subjects is a never ending source of delight.  I'm also inspired by the work ethic and design process of my former boss Rozae Nichols.  She has such drive and a deep creative mind.  I often go back to what I learned about design while working with her. 

2. Who do you want to see in your brand?

I see a working woman who has vitality of spirit as well as energy and vision.  It takes women like this to change the workplace, and pave a new path.  I love that my friend Suchin Pak has embraced the clothing line because she is just the kind of person whose work I admire and hope to inspire.

3. What’s next for you as a designer?

I hope to have a store in the near future.  Right now, I use my little design studio for private shopping appointments.  I would love to expand to a full time store/atelier that is a mix of work and store front.  I really enjoyed working for the previous company I was at - illia.  Designed and made in downtown LA, they also had a beautiful store in Venice, CA for a while.  Its so lovely to be able to show the entire line in its own environment. 

4. Name your favourite thing about fashion?

My favorite thing about fashion is that it's always changing.  Its important to find what our personal style is, and express that through clothes, but then also be able to adapt and change as our lives and needs do.  It's fun to experiment and push the boundaries through exploration.

5. Who in the fashion industry inspires you?

I’m so inspired by my fellow fashion designers in LA.... Designers CloudCloudNY, Airi Isoda - wrk-shp, Jaimie Park - OUTLYING, the women at Laurie Hasson Showroom, and my friend Nicole Wolensky who just started WestWard Showroom.  Its all about women entrepreneurs and the support we offer each other as we navigate the fashion and business world.  

Check out some of Jill’s stunning designs below:

http://jillaikoyee.myshopify.com/

Eclectic Eccentricity!

Eclectic Eccentricity is quite possibly one of my favourite online stores, their products are quirky and quaint and each piece is a testament to the pride, effort and passion that goes into the creation of EE products. 

Founded in 2004, EE started off as a mere weekend hobby for Lucy Crick. She would scour antique shops, vintage markets and would create new and individual pieces from treasures that she found. Lucy always had a passion for jewellery and it was this passion and determination which led to the huge success of EE. From its humble beginnings the brand is now regularly featured in popular magazine such as Vogue, Grazia, Cosmopolitan and Elle. 

To top of the fact that all of EE's jewellery is to die for, the team behind the brand are also amazing! Each and every person I've spoken to at the EE head quarters has been friendly, genuine and enthusiastic about the brand (and they sent me my very own 'Follow the leader' necklace as part of press pack which makes me love the brand even more!). 

As well as being a huge hit in the magazine industry the brand also has a celebrity following with fans including Eliza Doolittle, Pixie Lott and Paloma Faith. Check out some of the brands new stock below (with a few of my old favourites thrown in too!) and 

stay tuned because you'll be seeing a lot more EE on Tilly's little treasures!

My gorgeous gift from EE :) 

Other EE beauties! 

Constellation Ring

£13.50 

Laurel Ring in Tigers Eye, Onyx or Rose Quartz

£14.50

Winging My Way Back To You

£18.50

Twittering Vintage Heart Necklace

£16.50

Russian Doll Sterling Silver Necklace

£44.00

Flock Around The Clock Pocket Watch Necklace

£24.00

Peachy Keen Heart Earrings

£11.50

In Bloom Rose Stud Earring

£5.00

How Does Your Garden Grow Bracelet

£13.50

Turn A New Leaf Bracelet

£15.50

Lost In Space Bracelet

£13.50

Queen Bee Hair Comb

£10.75

Athena Leaf Crown

£18.50

Fall in love with Love it!

LoveIt is an eco-friendly jewellery brand that will catch your eye and your heart, for as well as being stunning to look at the jewellery is also made for a good cause and at a minimal cost to the environment. For every piece of full priced merchandise brought LoveIt donates 15% to Save the Turtles, this comes from the brands ethic of giving back and looking great.

Each piece tells a story whilst being unique and made from vintage and reclaimed materials.

I interviewed the lady who created the brand from a couple of vintage chains and a handful of beads, read on to see her inspirations and aspirations for LoveIt.

See all of her fantastic designs at: http://www.loveitshop.com/

When did you realise that you wanted to become a designer? 

I was always making accessories for my friends and family growing up.  After working years of retail {for corporations}, I wanted to run free.  In 2005, there weren't many insanely intricate chain necklaces, so I often layered 4 or 5 vintage pieces on top of another.  After I decided to merge two vintage chains with a bag of vintage beads... I was hooked!

What does fashion mean to you?

Fashion has always been an expression of ones' self.  What you wear speaks a lot about who you are.

How did things such as your location, family and friends affect your decision to become a designer?

My friends were completely the reason I started designing.  My friend has his own line, and helped me by introducing me to tradeshows and much more.

What inspired you when creating your latest collection? 

My summer collection was inspired from the CA and AZ deserts... mainly the stretch of highway 78 to the 8.  My newest addition, the headpieces, were inspired by Goddesses... each Goddess arising from people in my life.  All of my individual pieces have a story all their own, and often times a piece might just jump out from being part of a "collection."

What type of woman do you want to see in your creations?

A woman that isn't afraid of expressing herself.  She is carefree and strong.  She is a leader and not a follower in fashion.  She understands individuality.

How do you see yourself expanding in the future? 

I see myself collaborating with other designers, as well as having a fine jewelry line.  If I ever do manufacture, it will be made in the USA and sold in limited editions (as well as remaining eco-friendly!)

Are there any designers that you admire? 

I admire designers that keep animals and the environment in mind, as well as those that donate to charity.  I love Victoire de Castellane's designs, but who doesn't?!

When you aren’t designing what else do you like to do? 

I love signing petitions for causes that are important to me... as well as writing letters to companies, representatives, and being a guest blogger for eco blogs... after all... there is only one world.

What advice do you have for other designers? 

Be true to yourself as an artist.  You might get inspiration from other designers, but never be a "copycat" designer... always design what makes you happy... and the fans will follow.