Our Brand Story

“Fashion is not necessarily about labels or brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.” – Ralph Lauren

As someone who grew up in the textile business family, myself, Jugnu Rajakrishnan, a graduate in Fashion technology and postgraduate in Human Resource Management, has always found myself revolved around fashion most of my life. From my paternal grandfather’s textile business founded half a century ago, to my own family’s Shakthi Garments, an apparel manufacturer founded in 2003, to ILA- a multi store fashion brand run by my mother and myself, I have had the opportunity to witness and work towards the establishment of fashion businesses for the past couple of decades.

Long before ‘mom-preneurs’ were a fad, my supermom Akila Rajakrishnan successfully ran not one, but three businesses from home during the early 2000s- no wonder where I take inspiration from every day! She holds a diploma in Interior designing and has actively being into business through Amway and Tupperware before launching ILA in 2003. She spearheaded the establishment of the in-house brand under Sai Shakthi Enterprises and stepped into manufacturing exclusive salwar suits, customized Sarees, kurthas and more which were distributed to state’s several textile centers. Our team also comprised of company’s own designers and craftsmen working their magic on cut work, hand embroidery and machine embroidery. Later in 2009, we officially launched ILA’s first retail shop in Oberon mall, Kochi followed by our second store at Nucleus mall in 2010. We proudly remained a go-to fashion destination in the metro city until 2016.

After completing undergraduate course in Fashion Technology from Kerala, I went on to add wings to my business dreams through post-graduation in Human Resource Management from London, UK. During my college days, I was honoured with “Best constructed garment” award for my undergraduate project which was also featured in a prestigious magazine.  All of the formal learning coupled with hands on experience I acquired from the family business, helped me to work closely during ILA’s establishment as a multi store brand. Being a passionate follower of fashion and with the guidance and support of my family, I have found now, the right time to step into entrepreneurship through ILA’s new face. My mother’s passion has always been my driving force as I aim to revamp ILA to a modern day one stop destination for hair accessories.

You can go wrong with a white tee and a pair of jeans but not when you have the right kind of accessory. Simple, chic and elegant accessories are a fashion savior any day. Handpicked from the best manufacturers in the country, ILA has its own range of classic as well as statement hair accessories to complete your ethnic and modern outfits. ILA wishes to be the go to place for your regular fashion upgrades and a retail therapy on your bad days, all from the comfort of your home.