Collina Strada: A Vibrant Vision for Fashion and Sustainability
Origins and Founding
Collina Strada was founded in 2009 by Hillary Taymour, a New York-based designer with a passion for sustainability and self-expression. Originally conceived as a handbag label, Collina Strada quickly evolved into a full-fledged fashion brand that challenges traditional industry norms. Taymour’s vision blends bold, playful designs with ethical practices, creating a label that’s as much about activism as it is about fashion.
The name “Collina Strada,” which translates to “Hill Road” in Italian, reflects Taymour’s embrace of individuality and her desire to pave a new path for contemporary fashion.
Ownership and Leadership
Hillary Taymour remains the driving force behind Collina Strada, overseeing every aspect of the brand’s creative direction and sustainable initiatives. Her hands-on approach ensures that Collina Strada remains true to its core values of radical transparency, inclusivity, and playful creativity.
Aesthetic and Notable Pieces
Collina Strada’s aesthetic is defined by its bold prints, asymmetrical silhouettes, and a focus on layering and texture. Taymour’s designs are rooted in the idea of self-expression, encouraging wearers to experiment with fashion and embrace individuality.
Signature pieces include:
- Vibrant Dresses: Flowing maxi dresses and slip dresses adorned with hand-dyed patterns, whimsical prints, and ruffled details.
- Quirky Tops: Mesh and sheer tops featuring tie-dye, floral motifs, and deconstructed elements, designed for layering or as statement pieces.
- Utility Pants and Skirts: Relaxed fits with unexpected details like drawstrings, patchwork, and asymmetric hemlines.
- Eco-Friendly Accessories: Including upcycled handbags, reusable water bottles, and unique jewelry pieces crafted from repurposed materials.
The brand frequently uses sustainable materials, such as deadstock fabrics, recycled textiles, and organic cotton. Its collections often include hand-painted and dyed elements, making each piece unique and artisanal.Legacy and Influence
Collina Strada has redefined what it means to be a sustainable brand in the luxury space, combining playful aestheticswith an activist mission. Taymour’s approach to design encourages transparency and challenges the notion that eco-conscious fashion must be minimalist or muted.
The brand’s runway shows are known for their theatricality, inclusivity, and celebratory tone, often featuring models of diverse body types, abilities, and identities. Collina Strada’s presentations blur the line between performance art and fashion, reinforcing its ethos of joyful rebellion.Famous Fans and Cultural Impact
Collina Strada’s vibrant, irreverent designs have been embraced by celebrities, influencers, and activists alike. Fans include Bella Hadid, Tracee Ellis Ross, Lizzo, and Harry Styles, who appreciate the brand’s ability to merge bold style with meaningful values.
The brand’s pieces frequently appear in editorial spreads for magazines like Vogue, i-D, and Dazed, solidifying its reputation as a favorite among tastemakers and forward-thinking creatives. Its presence on social media, often highlighting sustainable practices and activist causes, has further amplified its cultural relevance.A Playful Revolution in Sustainable Fashion
Collina Strada is more than a fashion brand—it’s a platform for change. Through its commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and self-expression, Hillary Taymour has built a label that speaks to the future of fashion. By blending bold aesthetics with ethical practices, Collina Strada encourages consumers to think critically about their choices while embracing the joy of dressing.
As a trailblazer in eco-conscious luxury, Collina Strada continues to inspire a new generation of designers and consumers to see fashion as both a creative outlet and a vehicle for meaningful impact.