Hillary Taymour is the creative genius behind the Collina Strada brand, which has become a sensation in recent years. At the heart of Taymour’s brand is a refreshing perspective on sustainability as she is bending the norms of what we know as sustainable fashion today. This year, she attended SCADStyle and spoke on a panel with journalist Rachel Tashjian where they discussed sustainability and inclusivity within Taymour’s brand.
Taymour has made it clear that her ethos goes beyond just creating garments. In fact, her brand has led the way and transformed the way we perceive and interact with garments through innovation. For Taymour, it’s not just about wearing clothes; it’s about how people wear the garments she makes and the ripple effect they have on the world around us.
Growing up amidst the beauty of nature in LA, Taymour’s practices started pretty early on in her career with a profound love and respect for all creatures. However, her sustainability journey has changed in many ways since stepping foot in the industry. It has evolved over time as more technological advancements arise. She believes this evolution to be never-ending as there is constant information being acquired and discovered every day.
Taymour also talked about how Collina Strada was built on the foundation of simplicity. Each collection is conceived to be effortlessly wearable, yet imbued with an element of fantasy drawn from her own experiences. However, simple does not mean boring. On the contrary, she is known to spread fun, joy, and color into her designs, challenging the notion that sustainability equates dull and uninspired styles.
Another element that makes her stand out is her commitment to celebrating community and inclusivity. Every garment is designed with every human in mind, inspired by and for everyone. Her casting process is a testament to this belief, as she intentionally styles each individual to represent their authentic selves, not just as models, but as people.
In a world where optimism and fun are often overshadowed by heavy subjects, Collina leads by example. She tackles pressing issues with love and optimism, using her voice to push for change and make the world a better place.
Words by Alex Baracaldo
Graphic by Juan Cruz