Fabric + Design

As it would go, the Universe had a small challenge for me at the end 2021 - my fabric vendor was going out of business.  Well, they didn't exactly say they were going out of business. They told me they weren't bringing in more colors or styles (uh, aka going out of business!!!).  It was a shock to my system. I went into problem solving mode (my favorite place to live) and decided to take a quick trip to LA to figure it out. For me, the price of fabric is a HUGE factor. I always want to be able to offer you these styles at an affordable price. But the thing that always outweighs price is QUALITY! If you ask me where my obsession for design lies, I can tell you it's always been with quality and fabrications. And I'm so grateful that I get to focus more on this as the business grows. It’s because of your support that I can look to improve the quality of fabrics we offer. Higher quality fabrics means a bigger price tag and higher minimums I'll need to make in an order - and I’ve only been able to consider this in the last couple of years because of your support and loyalty to this business.    I did some research before I went up to LA, called a few people, and asked around for referrals. I found some comparable fabric vendors who offered reasonable or similar price points, but I could NOT stop thinking about this one vendor and the quality of their fabrics! Their prices were higher than my previous fabric company, but the quality was unbeatable.  Plus, they provide services like creating custom colors and prints - the endless possibilities kick-started my imagination and ignited my creativity into hyperdrive. It's been a while since I felt that excited about sourcing fabrics again.  As we launch new collections this year, I know you’ll feel the difference.  I had no doubt that it'll be worth paying a little more to give you all the best. The weave is tight and the yarns are so smooth - it makes the fabric feel like butter!  The quality of the spandex woven into this knit makes for great drape (how the clothes fall on your body) as well as bounce back (the knit won't stretch out as you wear it). Their fabrics also have the most beautiful sheen to it, giving it a subtle shine for an elevated, "dressed up" look.  Now that the shock has worn off, I've come to realize it was all for the better to have lost my previous vendor and found this new one.  Yes, the minimums are higher and the price point is higher - but the upgrade in quality is totally worth it all.  My mission has always been to bring high quality fabrics and design techniques to you at an affordable price - and this is a great opportunity to offer you the perfect mix of luxury and affordability.   I'm so excited because you’ll get to experience this new fabric firsthand with our upcoming collection - "Earth, Wind and Fire". The colors are fun and sophisticated, and I know you’ll notice the difference in the fabric.  I’m so thrilled to share this new collection with you - I hope you love it as much as I do!

As I glide gracefully into my mid-40’s, I take a pause to think about where I started as a brand. I wanted to put petite women on the map and have the fashion industry take notice of our shorter statures. I wanted to become the brand that made clothing specifically for short women. And while this is still a mostly unsolved problem in this industry- I now feel like I have a new basket of issues I need to bring attention to...

There is nothing better than a crisp white cotton shirt . . . it's a classic that always makes you look put together in a "I just threw this thing on" sort of way.  But in reality, when we wear a white shirt - there are so many worries spinning through our heads.  Will this wrinkle with my seat belt? Can you see my bra through this fabric? How will I wash this? Will I stain it with my lunch? It's enough to make you not want to wear a white shirt! But let me share a little bit about how as a designer, I tried to make the perfect white shirt... First, I started with a SUPER high quality fabric - here's a little insight into our world of fashion - not all fabrics are created equally, and usually high price means high quality.  All of the fabrics used in this collection are usually out of my price range. But they were all on sale as a closeout, so I was able to secure these cottons and Italian denim at a fraction of the cost (which is also why the stock is limited for these styles). If you remember anything about how I design - I am fabric obsessed!  I love high quality fabrics and when it comes to cotton - I try to find a fabric with a tight weave - which gives the fabric it's smoothness and drape.  The Ivory Cotton has some stretch in it - LOVE IT!!  It's made from 98% Cotton and 2% Spandex.  And the stripe fabric is made from 100% Cotton - its a little more lightweight, but has great drape and structure! Let's talk Denim...specifically Italian Denim.  Both the dark indigo and the black denim are from Milan, Italy - and similar to the cotton, I purchased these from a closeout vendor.  So I am able to pass on this cost savings to you!  Both denims have great stretch and a smooth weave, that gives the Kiki pants a smoother appearance than your average denim with a beautiful shine.  This fabric will wash up nicely and will lose the stiff finish in the wash.  I do dry my denim in the machine - and it will shrink up about 1/2" overall (in length and width).  These fabrics have great colorfastness - and will stay dark indigo and black from a longer time. I could go on and on about fabrics and workmanship!  But I think this is a great start for you to understand who I am as a designer and the standards of quality I work to uphold.  I like to say that I want to give us "real people" a taste of luxury through high quality fabrics, details and workmanship.  I will take a deeper dive into this with you very soon!

At Allison Izu, we LOVE fabrics. We’re addicted to higher quality fabrics that are breathable, comfortable, and washable—versatile fabrics that are made with Rayon, Nylon, and Spandex. More than just a preference for these fabrics’ fit and feel, there’s science and thoughtfulness behind our fabric choices as well.

I'm so embarrassed that I decided to share this blog post with you (I apologize for the up-close a personal pics of me), but i wanted you to get an in-depth look (eek!) at what we do to make (what we consider) the perfect