‘ili is a Hawaiian word that refers to the skin, the surface, the outer layer of any elements. Think the bark of a tree, the peel of a vegetable or a fruit.
Clothing because we are doing clothes here.
Inspired by the Polynesian Patutiki art, our logo is a symbol of growth, strength and creation…With right above the complementary sun and moon to remind us of the universal laws of Nature governing everything.
Our story
Behind ‘ili there is a personal story…mine. The story of a girl who had the chance to grow up traveling and being interested in the different cultures around the world. Bringing back not only memories, flavors and sounds of these adventures... but also often traditional clothes that I particularly appreciated. I guess the story they carry plus my own souvenir from the trip made them so very special and unique.
However, I quickly realized that it was difficult for me to wear them, particularly in my daily life in France, whether from a cultural or environmental point of view. Over the years, I have therefore nourished this desire to create a brand of quality clothing* that is both casual and elegant, adapted to everyday life (those that I use and appreciate the most) with this little nod each time to one of my favorite traditional garment design. As I could already do in the kitchen with inspirations from all around the world reinterpreted according to personal tastes and environment…
I hope you enjoy these creations as much as I do,
with love 🫶🏼
Mathilde
.
*made from natural materials, sustainable and comfortable + with a production that respects the environment and the people.
.
We take the concept of slow-fashion very seriously here. We aim for a made to order system, and we are starting at the moment with a very (very) small production. We also choose not to follow the 4 seasonal collections a year dynamic nor the usual numbers of items found in a collection.
At ‘ili’s we really take our time to design and develop, with a great team, each new model. The process on its own : the conscious sourcing, designing… takes about a full year. So you can expect from us approx a model/a year. It’s not a lot we agree but those models are designed to stay through time and various trends…#sustainablefashion.
Don’t get us wrong, that doesn’t mean you won’t have things to be excited for in the meantime, quite the opposite… You know travel is in our DNA and we love nothing more than going places and see our designs thrive in new environments while embodying a brand new energy that comes with brand new colors.
That’s the stories we are sharing through our collections coming to you several times a year…
A collection is : the same design, a new playground, new energy, and exclusive colors*.
*our fabrics are dyed on demand with our own unique Pantone
Versatility
It was very important for us to design versatile clothes that not only looks good together but also are individually just as good so that they can easily become your wardrobe go-to.
Even though our sets offer various looks and options to play with already, each pieces can be worn separately with other of your favorite fashion items. That’s part of our vision of creating a more sustainable and conscious fashion world.
With ‘ili clothing we get inspired by traditional clothes and world cultures it’s true, however we offers a totally personal and creative interpretation of clothing. We never pretend to make traditional clothes nor even try to. If this is what you are looking for we can only encourage you to support and purchase from local and artisanal craftsmen (and women !).
Local sourcing
Cultivated and woven in Belgium
Woven in Lyon (France)
-GOTS & Oeko Tex-
Made of french beech hood
We have chosen to manufacture our clothes here not only because of their name but because as a French company it makes sense to not only source but also produce locally in order to reduce unnecessary carbon emission.
We are located in Bordeaux so we are able to do all the required trips by train very easily (it takes 2h). Also because being close geographically help us preserve constant face-to-face relationships with the people working with us, and that's important to us.
This atelier was founded in 2016 by three young entrepreneurs who just like me started from scratch, I mean they didn't have a background in this industry before to start. They got the idea, the drive and learned everything on the way.
And to this day we keep learning, together.
What matter the most is that we share the same values and demand for quality so they help me professionally ensure we respect those at every stages of the production.
Even though we are proud to launch today four different sizing options that we worked on with great care to feel good on you, and fit your body perfectly we are very aware that it’s not enough to be as inclusive as we aim to. But we are committed to expand our sizings option as we grow and will be transparent along the process. In the meantime we would like to thank you for your understanding, patience and support.
We send your order in a 100% compostable mailer. For a biodegradable plant-based packaging solution leaving no toxic residues behind.
- Breaks down fully within 90 days in a commercial compost and 180 days in a home compost 🪱
- Features a second adhesive strip so it can be safely reused one more time before returning to the earth 🌍
Features of the model
Top
Crop or full length option
Depending on what feels the most comfortable to you
Top
A flattering front cleavage
Top
A low-cut back neckline
Top
Sleeve just above the elbow
this is very classic design that shapes elegantly your arms. It happens to be very practical for your day to day activities too (cooking, working, massaging...)
Top
Printed logo
Match the color of the Saree from the corresponding collection.
Top
5% elasticity for the perfect smooth stretch
Our shirt fits through the body nicely and stays there even in downward facing dog or crazy handstand/acro session !
Bottom
2 front pockets
for your small and not that small treasures 🐚
Bottom
2 back pockets
It's always useful and it shapes our 🍑 nicely !
Bottom
Elastic waistband
Because we value you breathing freely while being able to move comfortably and look decent with a trouser that stays on your hips, we have made an elastic waistband.
Also because we know that woman's body evolves within a day, month and years, and that we want our pants to come along with you in all those changes in the smoothest way possible.
Bottom
Wooden button and zip
We love a nice round and soft wooden button that actually slide smoothy in and out.
Bottom
Ribbing end (GOTS + eoko-tex cotton)
that allow you to easily slide up your trouser when biking, hiking or to get your feet wet !
