Born from a mother’s love for beautifully crafted dresses and a gap in the market for luxury handmade childrenswear, Ira & Isla is a brand that celebrates timeless British craftsmanship.
After interning with Matthew Williamson at the London College of Fashion, the founder—previously a womenswear designer—shifted her career to become a secondary textiles and food teacher due to economic circumstances.
Yet, her creative vision for luxury kidswear never faded.
It wasn’t until the birth of her daughter Isla that she decided to pursue her dream, launching Ira & Isla Baby and Kids—a project that took over seven years to bring to life.
Despite the challenges and the saturated market, she persevered, dressing her daughters Ira and Isla in charming frocks and realizing the need for high-quality, classic designs made in Britain.
In 2013, after welcoming their second child, the idea for Ira & Isla took root in London.
The founder began designing collections, cutting patterns, and making samples using her daughters to model and test the designs.
“I used the girls to drape fabric and work out what shapes would adapt best to children’s bodies,” she says.
Each piece from Ira & Isla is crafted by highly skilled artisans dedicated to quality and limited production.
The dresses feature exquisite detailing, including smocking, embroidery, and lace trimmings, contributing to their elegance and timeless appeal.
The founder firmly believes in creating garments that can become heirlooms designed to be passed down through generations after the hem is let down or the dress has been outgrown.
Accessories are also made with sustainability in mind, utilizing leftover fabric, and artisans in Britain create all knitted pieces.
The business, now based in Oxfordshire, is a testament to the founder’s commitment to sustainability, allowing the family to live a harmonious life and offering their children the freedom reminiscent of the founder’s own childhood.
Ira & Isla isn’t just a clothing line—it’s a legacy, producing garments as long-lasting as the memories they help create.
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