House of Iluka Interview

House of Iluka Interview

Launched in January 2011, House of Iluka is a 50 piece collection of luxury fashion. From flowing Kaftans, Dresses, Playsuits and Swimwear, House of Iluka is made from the finest quality silks, each piece coming with a 'modesty slip.'

Interview with Amanda Nelson

Question: Why did you choose the name 'House of Iluka'?

Amanda Nelson: Iluka is the Aboriginal word for close to the ocean, I live my life guided by my love the ocean; it calms me, it has been the driving force behind all of my travelling and holidays. I feel at home by the sea. I wanted a name which reflected my passion for Australia and my love of the ocean.


Question: Do you believe that making the collection 'One Size Fits All' makes it more accessible to different women?

Amanda Nelson: My pieces are not structured garments. They are designed to feel flowing and effortless. Sizes are simply not needed to create a garment which conjures feelings freedom, lightness, femininity, sensuality and sexuality!


Question: I love the idea of the 'modesty slip.' Why was that important for you as a designer?

Amanda Nelson: For two reasons - 1. I hate it when you buy an amazing piece an then can't wear it because you have to go hunting around for the perfect undergarment and can't find it anywhere!
2. I love for my garments to be worn day and night over a bikini during the day, or to fantastic party at night - i feel the inclusion of a matching modesty slip does this.


Question: The designs of your caftans and dresses are so unique. What inspires you when it comes the design process?

Amanda Nelson: I am constantly being inspired by the colours nature; sunsets, exotic fruits, oceans, flowers, rice padi's forests, earth...... ahhh! I put so much love and effort into the hand dying of my fabrics i feel this truly sets House Of Iluka apart from mass produced labels.


Question: The names of your collection add a personal touch. How do you come up with these?

Amanda Nelson: My new collection Pangaea is inspired by my travels to the far corners of the Earth. After 12 years of travelling, I am still a gypsy at heart who feels there are still so many places i haven't been!


Question: Why have you chosen caftans and dresses for your collection?

Amanda Nelson: I want all women to feel like a Goddess radiating with love and lightness. My flowing Silk Kaftans and Dresses feel soft and luxurious on the skin, I believe when you feel good in what you wear you simply radiate!


Question: What colours and patterns do you think we will be seeing for the summer 2011/12

Amanda Nelson: Block colours of Violet, Lemon, Apple and Tangerine, luxe muted Metallics of Gold and Gunmetal Grey and and summer classic White! Retro Pucci prints and Crochet will also be hot this summer!


Question: What would be the characteristics of the perfect 'House of Iluka' girl?

Amanda Nelson: She loves the ocean, she inspires other women to feel beautiful and she is in love with love!


Question: How do you go about casting models for your collections?

Amanda Nelson: I'm inspired by bohemian effortless beauty. My models have a womanly feel.


Question: What originally inspired you to create 'House of Iluka'?

Amanda Nelson: I have always be entrepreneurial and I saw a gap in the market for handmade pieces. There are so many labels making Kaftans but no one is hand dying! I love labels like Camilla and Lisa Brown but was sick of seeing five other woman wearing the same thing at every event I went to! These things combined with the drive to spend more time in Bali, House Of Iluka was born.


Question: Does House of Illuka have a website?

Amanda Nelson: www.houseofiluka.com.au


Interview by Morgan Sutherland.