by sara bertoni

In 1997 Ilja Visser attended the School of Arts in Arnhem, the Netherlands to study Fashion Design. Ilja interned at Donna Karan (www.donnakaran.com) in New York and Maria Cornejo Zero Red DaDa (www.mariacornejo.com).

After graduation Ilja moved to Milan to discover the roots of fashion, fabulous fabrics and inspiring design. It was here she laid the foundation of her ambition, realized in 2005, to introduce her own label.

Ilja Visser opened the 7th edition of International Amsterdam Fashion Week (AIFW). Inspired by Benjamin Hoff’s world’s bestselling book The Tao of Pooh, Ilja Visser presented her SS 08 collection, which combines the rebel feel of her target group with a simple yet always positive view of the world.

Chic Simplicity

The ‘Chic’ in the collection stands for the use of beautifully refined fabrics such as velvet and washed silk as well as strong details and sharp cuts. ‘Simplicity’ is translated into an elegant look with simple silhouettes and modest designs without frills. The Ready to Fish, Ilja’s pret-à-porter line, consists of stylish basics, from chic hooded tops and bell bottomed pants to sharp tailored trench coats. All the dresses have an emphasis on the waist and come in several lengths. The full-length couture dresses flow beautifully and are super feminine. The modest colour scheme ranges from nudes and grey to brown/orange. The bears carried by the models on the runway are a reference to Pooh bear, who is the inspiration of this collection. They are emblems of the child within everybody and the necessity to keep an open minded -  according to Ilja Visser.

For more info: www.iljavisser.com