LILIAN TRAN OF HOUSE OF ISE 

ISĒ bridges the world of luxury and sustainability.

The ISE philosophy is defined by a dedication to timeless and sustainable design. We ensure that each piece is crafted with values of quality and detail. It is important that we work with farmers and producers who have a deep respect for nature and share our values for a more sustainable world. ISE finds appeal in humble simplicity and honours raw textures made into beautiful products that become more personal through use.

How did it all begin for your brand?

I worked as a designer in the fashion industry for over a decade and became disenchanted a few years ago. When I returned to Sydney after many years working in London and New York, I decided it was time to put my passion, skills and care for the planet into something of my own.

Growing up, I always had a desire to create something beautiful and have my own company. Naturally, I thought it would be a clothing brand, but with my focus on settling back into my country, it awakened my love for design in the home. As I began to decorate, I saw how much of my wardrobe and interior styling crossed over. My wardrobe consists of timeless silhouettes that are pared-back with a focus on details in a neutral palette, and this was reflected in my bedroom and throughout the house. In my search for organic bed linen that met my quality standards and sustainability values, I found that none existed and saw this as an opportunity to create it.

ISE has been in the making for two years. In this time, I conducted a lot of research, built the brand, designed and quality tested the products, and have been very fortunate to have found suppliers who sit in line with our beliefs and our philosophy. I launched my business in February this year (2019).

WHAT DOES SUSTAINABLE MEAN TO YOU AND HOW DO YOU ADOPT A SUSTAINABLE lifestyle?

When I think of what sustainability means in relation to a product; I think of honesty, certifications, reducing waste and plastic, being mindful of our footprint, farmers and workers, and making the right choices for our future. It isn’t just about the product but about the brand’s ethos, their packaging, how that product comes into our shores and their social impact, which is just as important in my eyes.

Sustainable living is something I have been incorporating into my life over the last few years. It started when I had to pack my bags in New York and move back to Sydney. I held onto pieces I knew I would wear for years to come and passed everything else onto friends of mine who were more than happy to give my clothes a new lease on life. I adopted a mindset that I would maintain a refined wardrobe and only buy items that were timeless, of high quality, in neutral colours that I could easily mix and match. Vestiaire is an app that I use to buy pre-loved designer clothing. There has been a rise in people buying pre-loved clothing as well as a clothing rental culture, which I believe is the future. I also use this mindset when I am furnishing my home as I am drawn to classic pieces and objects with a story.

If there is one thing I am trying to reduce in my day-to-day, it is plastic consumption. It is a hard one to avoid. If I am out in the day, I take my Klean Kanteen bottle and Frank Green cup. If I’ve made a green smoothie, I’ll take my bamboo straw also. I always keep a reusable bag in my day bag for when I need to pick up some groceries.

I recently visited The Green School in Bali and was very much inspired by this wonderful place, whereby I came home and planted some herbs in the garden and have also adopted a worm farm so I can dispose of my food scraps.

I am in no way perfect, but I am constantly making changes in my life to work towards a sustainable future.

What has been your biggest hurdle in starting a sustainable brand?

Sourcing materials and finding suppliers who shared our beliefs proved very challenging. Every decision made had to align with our core values of being sustainable without compromising on a luxury standard of quality - from the fabric to the thread component of our products. I spent a lot of time on research and testing to ensure we had the best of the best, to stand the test of time.

What drives your passion for this industry AND FOR making a difference?

Seeing first hand the issues that lie within the fashion industry made me want to make a difference. I believe that there is a lot to be done in the fashion industry as well as any other product in the manufacturing industry. I do not believe it stops at clothing. There is the ethical side where there is a responsibility to ensure at every stage, our farmers and workers are paid and treated well. There is also the environmental side which ensures that we protect our oceans, the air we breathe and the land we live on.

There is also my belief that you should buy well. Buy quality products that last, that are not restricted to trends and seasons so they stay for a long time and hold memories, made from craftsmen and craftswomen who have kept these age-old skills alive. It is so important to support the industry and preserve these skills so they can be passed down for more generations. I am so fortunate to work with suppliers who share our same vision and I believe that by collaborating we will make a difference for the future.

Where do you find inspiration?

I can find inspiration from everywhere. I don’t believe you have to be inspired by your industry alone or by traditional methods of finding inspiration. I find going to talks about completely different industries can spark creativity in how you can approach ideas. Travelling, exploring cultures and meeting new people inspire and give me new perspectives and challenge me to think different. At the same time, I enjoy the galleries, reading magazines and browsing Instagram.

What's next for your brand? Any exciting new products, partnerships or goals?

I can’t say too much as these projects are still in work, but I expect exciting things to come soon.