On March 14, 2016, the grand finale of the highly anticipated 9th edition of the National Young Designers Competition took place at the prestigious Salons Vianey in the fashion capital of the world, Paris. This fiercely contested competition, organized by ISC Studio, provided a platform for seven exceptionally talented young designers to present their debut fashion shows to a captivated audience. Lorena Lorca, Camille Palluau, Iona Serraf, Guillaume Bergen, Sophie Boissinot, Mathilde Lhomme, and Mahdi El Filali, each possessing a unique creative vision, showcased their remarkable skills, hoping to make a lasting impression on the fashion industry.
Among this pool of emerging talents, one outstanding designer managed to capture the attention and admiration of the distinguished jury. Iona Serraf, with her exceptional collection, emerged victorious as the winner of the prestigious 2016 National Young Designers Competition. The jury unanimously recognized the remarkable quality and coherence of her pieces, commending her for her innovative and original designs. Iona Serraf’s collection flawlessly blended a bohemian-chic style with a subtle touch of the iconic hippie influence, setting her apart from her fellow competitors.
Delving into her sources of inspiration, Iona Serraf disclosed that her designs were heavily influenced by the vibrant and free-spirited fashion trends of the 1970s, as well as street style. She intricately weaved elements from this era into her sketches and successfully brought them to life on the runway. With a proven flair for creativity and sophistication, it comes as no surprise that Iona Serraf studied at the prestigious Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, and gained invaluable experience through internships at renowned high fashion houses. Her remarkable journey in the fashion industry also involved designing costumes for various artists and creating exquisite custom wedding gowns, further cementing her expertise and passion for her craft.
Building upon her success, Iona Serraf decided to establish her own eponymous brand, ‘Lylee Blu,’ which showcases her distinct vision and pays homage to the iconic 1970s culture. This talented designer draws inspiration from the legendary Woodstock festival of 1969, a cultural milestone that symbolized the rebellion and free-spirited nature of the era. Through her designs, Iona Serraf aims to encapsulate the essence of this transformative period in fashion history, infusing it with her own contemporary and innovative touch.
As the coveted winner of the National Young Designers Competition, Iona Serraf’s talent and dedication have been rewarded with an array of exciting opportunities. She was granted a coveted summer course at the esteemed fashion school, ESMOD, allowing her to continue to refine her skills and expand her knowledge. Additionally, Iona Serraf has been extended an exclusive pass to attend the prestigious Salon du Luxe Paris, a celebrated event in the luxury fashion world, taking place on July 6 and 7, 2016. Furthermore, she will have the honor of showcasing her magnificent creations at the esteemed Cofrad Mannequins gallery, solidifying her place as a rising star in the industry.
This remarkable accomplishment marks just the beginning of what promises to be a brilliant career for Iona Serraf. The fashion industry eagerly awaits her next creations and anticipates witnessing her further contributions to the evolution of the fashion landscape.
Helpful links (when applicable):
1. Lylee Blu Official Website
2. ESMOD Fashion School
