We respectfully acknowledge the First Nations People in Sydney Australia, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation where we gather to work. We acknowledge them as the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to the Elders both past, present and emerging.
Ilio Nema was founded by Ariane Leondaridis and Katia Kelso. Both of Greek heritage, Ariane was born in Paris and Katia in Sydney. Their shared passion for artisanal craft was forged when they worked collaboratively in New York as Design Director and Production Director respectively.
Slow craft processes that require exacting techniques became the foundation for their own niche in an industry widely regarded as “fast” or “disposable”.
“Our desire to preserve items of fashion as heirlooms to be loved forever stems from our shared belief in the need for care and repair.
Our unique vision for Ilio Nema emerged out of our mutual commitment to sustainable design”.
Our ethos is to counteract trend-based consumption by reintroducing timeless and traditional craftsmanship to modern life. Therefore hand-crafted practices are the foundation of what we do. We want to highlight instinct, authenticity and a slower-paced, considered approach in sourcing and production that will ultimately be reflected in our designs.
We travel the globe to source the most beautiful, artisanal traditions and celebrate the communities who have preserved their heritage for generations. Each garment has a unique story and also reflects our appreciation for those who bring their traditional skills and practices to our collection.
Our pieces are made to be nurtured, mended and loved forever.
We share a special connection to our Greek heritage. Both growing up surrounded by and loving Hellenic culture, mythology and storytelling, this shared experience became the inspiration for our brand name.
ILIO/noun
from ANCIENT GREEK ήλιο; see: myth of Icarus
1. [Literal] Sun (star that the Earth orbits).
2. [By extension] Sunlight, daylight, sunny weather.
3. [Mythical] Owes existence to sun god Helios who rides across the sky each day in a chariot pulled by four horse
NEMA/noun
from ANCIENT GREEK νῆμᾰ; see: myth of Ariadne / Athena
1. [Literal] Thread, principal composition of fabrics and garments.
2. [Mythical] a: Governed by Athena, goddess of wisdom, especially strategic warfare, the arts, especially crafts, in particular weaving, considered to be the highest technique offered to humans by the Gods; b: Tool central to ancient Greek myth of Ariadne, allowing Theseus to navigate to centre of labyrinth and safely return.
3. [Figurative] Tool central to navigating inner labyrinth of creative process, travelling to centre of self and back again.
