Illuah, a luxury womenswear brand, is the brainchild of Lauren Worthington. Launched in 2019, Illuah blends Australian design ethos with Italian artistry, emphasising sustainability and timeless elegance. Lauren’s early fashion career began in Sydney, and her vision for Illuah was further shaped by her experiences in Italy, where she collaborated with local artisans to create high-quality, eco-friendly clothing.
hube: What inspired the inception of Illuah, blending Australian design ethos with Italian craftsmanship to create slow fashion?
Lauren Worthington: My inspiration for Illuah evolved from when I was young. I have been creating designs for as long as I can remember. I left school early at the age of 15 and studied fashion in Sydney, initially designing clothing that was comfortable and casual, fitting with Australian culture. I focused on using natural eco materials and practices. Moving to Italy to study further, I was introduced to another world of traditional craftsmanship and high fashion. This influenced my personal style considerably, and I began working with Italian artisans to develop high-end luxury wear that integrates the comfort of the Australian lifestyle. I have had the great fortune to grow up in a distinct natural environment, which imbued me with the desire to create clothing using sustainable materials and an ethos of slow fashion.
h: Could you share some insights into the unique design process that ensures each piece embodies timeless elegance while maintaining sustainability?
LW: When I design, I always have in mind to create pieces that are comfortable, timeless, and integrated with sustainability. I hope the pieces will be kept for a long time. I look for materials and yarns of great quality that will withstand time, as well as working with natural materials such as wool, cashmere, cotton, and some unique fibres. The design process does vary from time to time as I like collaborating with diverse artisans who have different methods, but we are always working to avoid any waste, sourcing from notable vendors, and using materials that don’t leave a footprint once disposed of.