Collina Strada: A Journey of Sustainable Elegance and Empowerment

Collina Strada has rapidly emerged as a distinctive voice in the fashion industry, blending creative design with a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Founded by Hillary Taymour during her college years, the brand has grown from a personal project into a leading name known for its ethical practices and innovative designs.

In this exclusive interview, we delve into the origins of Collina Strada, exploring how Taymour's love for nature and animals shaped the brand's mission. We discuss how the brand integrates sustainability and diversity into every project and community initiative, ensuring that its fashion pieces are both stylish and responsible.

We'll also uncover the inspirations behind the latest FW24 collection, which celebrates the resilience of women, and learn about the creative processes and collaborations that define Collina Strada’s unique approach to fashion. From innovative uses of AI in design to the significance of repeated features at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this interview offers a comprehensive look at the brand’s journey and future ambitions.

Join us as we explore how Collina Strada continues to push the boundaries of ethical fashion, creating a vibrant and responsible vision for the industry.

1. What is the origin story of the Collina Strada brand? How did it come into existence, and what is its primary mission?

I started the brand when I was in college by making handbags for myself. People loved them and I just kind of fell into the idea of having a brand. I grew up around animals and nature and have always cared about that so it was an easy merge. I want to have a successful small business I can be proud of that makes ethical fashion products.

2. Sustainability and diversity serve as foundational principles for Collina Strada's ethos. Could you provide insights into how these values are seamlessly integrated into your projects and community engagement initiatives?

It just is what it is. I try to create clothes so that I don’t feel bad that they exist in the world. I want to be responsible for ethical consumption.

3. In the latest FW24 collection, Creative Director Hillary Taymour mentioned that “The inspiration stemmed from the resilience of women navigating today's chaotic world” could you elaborate on how this vision influenced the design aesthetics and key elements of the collection? What specific stylistic or technical decisions were made to convey this blend of strength and femininity?

We created these strong muscle-shaped garments to convey the message throughout the collection. Almost everything had a strong arm whether it was the model or the sleeve. We also made a bag (AB BAG) creating the illusion of abdominal muscles.

4. What criteria or elements do you consider essential in the casting process for CollinaStrada's runway shows? How do you select models that best represent the brand's vision and spirit?

I like to cast people I believe in, people I am inspired by, and people who are secure in themselves. I need a model to feel confident and comfortable with what we are asking of them.

5. Collina Strada's recent collaborations with Ugg and Desigual have garnered significant acclaim. What are the key criteria guiding your collaborative ventures? Can you give us a sneak peek or hint about any upcoming projects or collections from Collina Strada?

I choose to work with brands that are open to using new sustainable materials and are open to focusing the collaborations around that premise. I try to work in a way that I am not allowed to usually with Collina which makes me more free with collaborations. I love working with new teams who have experience in their fields and offer new insights into the designs. You will see more drops from ugg and desigual this next year.

6. With the growing prominence of artificial intelligence, there's increasing discussion about its impact across various industries. Is AI influencing the design and production processes of Collina Strada's collections? If so, in what ways?

I have been using AI for printmaking, I think of it as a tool like Photoshop would be. It has been great for my practice so far creatively. However, I prefer the beginning versions of AI for creativity so I often use those versions instead of the newest ones available.

7. If you were given the choice to inhabit a paranormal world where wearing Collina Strada clothes was the norm, what kind of world would you envision, and why?

A happy world where everyone brought their animals everywhere, and we all grew our own food. We worked at leisure, had no war, traveled, and enjoyed nature daily.

8. Could you describe a standout moment or achievement in your career with Collina Strada?

I have been featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art four times now. Every time now feels like a bigger and bigger accomplishment than the time before.

9. Looking ahead, what exciting projects or initiatives can we expect from Collina Strada in the near future?

More collabs, more shoes. I love making shoes so I really want to put my attention there.

Article by Eleonora Pirisi

Images Courtesy of Collina Strada

RED•EYE WORLD