Isy B. Inspirations: When a Small Spark of Inspiration Takes Shape

Hello my beautiful Isy B. insiders! 

We're getting closer to launching the new Storyteller Collection, and I'm excited to add yet another story to the magical island world of Isy B. As we prepare, this month I invite you behind the scenes into the process of creating this new season’s collection.

It takes a lot of creativity, hard work, planning, and attention to detail from both myself and my amazing team. My spark of inspiration sets a lot of plates spinning into action. 

Sometimes it’s the best feeling in the world because there is nothing better than doing what I love. Sometimes it’s the worst because things haven’t worked out the way I hoped. As in life, there are so many variables I can’t control. 

But what I’ve learned is that it’s a necessary part of the process of bringing something new, heartfelt, and beautiful into the world, and no experience is ever wasted.

Come with me for some exclusive behind-the-scenes moments. I hope this inspires you on your personal journey too. 

1. Finding Inspiration in Story

The Isy B. Storyteller Collection always begins with a story inspired by the world around me, at home in Cayman, and from my travels. It could come from something I’ve encountered, memories from my childhood, or even a life lesson I’m processing within myself. Like the deeply symbolic African stories I grew up with, my stories are fables that aim to inspire.

The characters in the Storyteller Collections are faced with challenges that call them to draw on their inner resources to reach a new understanding of themselves— even if they don’t initially realize their own potential. 

Once I have the story and concept in mind, I continue with translating my vision through sound and visual art.

2. Storytelling - Narrating the Story

Recording the folktale is an essential part of creating each Storyteller Collection because I believe folktales are meant to be told and heard. I love performing the narration of the stories, and the act of giving voice to them. Hearing the stories gives each listener a deeper emotional connection to the inspiration. Isy B. is about more than just fashion or accessories it’s also about the stories that live within each design.

This year, I recorded the story at Silver Palm Studios—a studio located in the sweetest traditional Caymanian cottage right on the beach. I love collaborating with our local creatives and JK is a master of sound design and production.

3. Bringing the Tale to Life Visually

The next step is communicating the story visually. When I start the draft sketches, I work with a mood board filled with the research and references I’ve collected. Artists that inspire me, words that resonate, things I’ve seen on my travels. My trip to Egypt was a huge source of visual references for the border print design this year! 

I refine and revise my overall composition until it captures the essence of the folktale from the color palette to the individual design elements.

4. Style & Print Development

At this stage, I am designing styles for the collection and figuring out the lineup, and this requires a different kind of creativity. 

This stage is all about you ladies. 

I’m thinking about designs that you would look great in and the shapes and silhouettes in which you can feel your most fabulous. I also fly out to Florida to work with my fashion mentor who is a couture-trained designer with over 40 years experience in womenswear. She advises on the final cut and fit details.

This season has been about bringing a feeling of relaxed, lounging elegance with maximum versatility to the collection. When I sketch the final lineup each piece should be able to work within the collection.

Once I have the artwork and the styles, I share my moodboard and references with my textile design team. We work on translating the original hand-drawn sketch into a vector and the files required for creating textile prints.

Then we develop companion prints for the collection from this initial artwork which use the same elements and color palettes. We also work with the placement of the prints for each garment design to ensure it is placed in the most flattering way for the design. This is a long process!

5. The Production Phase

This is probably the most technically complicated part of the process. 

I work with my Cayman-based seamstresses to make the first samples because I like to be hands-on to make sure the design in my head works in reality. From there, we make the patterns and technical specifications. Then I work with my production team to select the right fabrics, the printing process, the buttons, threads, zipper, and everything in fact to make the production samples.

Sometimes this process takes months of trials, testing, and going back and forth until I am satisfied. Responsible production is very important to me and I personally ensure that the production is of high quality and respects both the people involved and the environment. This year, I flew out to meet our manufacturers and spend time with the people behind the Isy B. production process. I find it makes a difference to meet face-to-face and oversee the production in person. It also gives me a chance to show my appreciation for the skills of the people who make the Isy B. pieces and spend time with them.

6. Preparing for Launch: Photoshoot and Exciting Events

Right now, we’re getting ready for the new collection launch and we are ridiculously excited to show you what we’ve been working on. My team and I love getting creative with ideas for the photoshoots and the Cayman Islands always provides us with beautiful natural backdrops and beaches against which we can tell the stories. 

Are you excited yet?! 

You should be!

Look out for your exclusive invitation to our launch party to be held this year at the National Gallery on December 7th, 2024. You’ll get the first look at the new collection where you’ll be the first to preview and shop the new Storyteller Collection. 

Stay signed up for our newsletter to be among the first to receive updates on our holiday pop-up schedule and to receive exclusive invitations to future Isy B. events.

On a final note, I want to thank you for being with me on this incredible journey. I am so happy and thankful to continue this Isy B. adventure together as we explore and unfold the new story. 

Chat to you soon,

Isy