About Us
At Ilana Atelier, we understand that it’s not just about the dress.
It’s about the details, the thoughtfulness, the personal journey to your big day.
That is why we work closely with you to find something perfect. We’ll take your hand and guide you through the process to discover what makes you feel happy and beautiful – exactly how you should feel on your wedding day.
We start with a personal consultation with Marika, our Creative Director to discuss your dream wedding, your style and your budget. We’ll present our collection and learn more about what you wish for on your big day. With the expertise of our lovely and knowledgeable staff, we can arrange fittings then and there. We know you don’t want to waste time once you’ve found the one!
Ilana Atelier has both a ready-to-wear collection of beautiful designs, as well as made-to-order gowns for a truly personalised experience. Every design balances timeless romance with effortless elegance. Stunning, notably comfortable, our dresses are delivered at attainable price points.
Our commitment to you is a personalised service built on genuine care and respect. Let us make your day truly you.
What We Do
Ilana is the Hebrew feminine name for ‘tree’.
We were inspired by the idea of a grand tree growing by the river, rooted firmly in the ground, confident and strong.
That is how we see the Ilana Atelier bride.
She is graceful and composed. She is poised and knowing. The Ilana woman inspires us with her elegance – not just in the way she dresses, but in the way she carries herself in the world.
We want to create a gown she truly deserves.
That is why each of our designs is a true labor of love from start to finish. We specialise in carefully handcrafted wedding gowns with unique embroidery and intricate beadwork. Our designs are modern and sophisticated, luxurious yet comfortable.
The Ilana bride should not have to compromise.
Bridal Collection 2019
Efflorescence
Who We Are
It all began in 2011 in the city of London. Marika was studying fashion design while Margarita was working for a global media company. Introduced by a common friend, they connected instantly and bonded over their shared interest for travel, fashion and people.
Their friendship blossomed into a partnership that relied on each other’s strengths – Mari’s creative flair and Marga’s good business sense.
MARIKA KOBAYASHI
Co-founder & Creative Director
Marika – known to many as Mari – has always loved fashion. At just 10 years old, Mari was gifted a sewing machine, which she used to make clothes for her beloved Japanese Barbie dolls.
Fast forward, and Mari completed a degree in Fashion Design & Merchandising at the College of St. Benilde in Manila. She went on to introduce her first ready-to-wear collection at the Philippine Fashion Week in 2008. Seeking to further hone her style, Marika moved to the United Kingdom to study at the world-renowned London College of Fashion, which led to her specialisation in bridal design.
Marika is the design visionary behind Ilana Atelier. Classic, feminine and romantic are qualities that best describe this Japanese-Filipina and her designs.
Margarita Borg
Co-founder & Marketing Director
Over the past decade, Margarita has lived in vibrant cities all over the world, including Dubai, London, and Melbourne. With over 14 years of sales and marketing experience, Marga has worked for some incredible corporations, but truly found her natural style of working when she was inspired to set up her own business.
Armed with solid business training and a penchant for fashion, Marga teamed up with Marika on this exciting adventure. Margarita guides Ilana Atelier’s strategic direction and leads its business development efforts. Building on her passion to inspire and support women through discovering true beauty in grace, she infuses the brand with creativity and love.
At Ilana Atelier we believe in giving back to the community. Our aim is to reach out to women suffering in poverty to bring them a message of hope through grace. We are able to do this by supporting missionary work in impoverished areas.
Women are at the heart of Ilana Atelier. Our company is committed to support women in poor communities in the Philippines to get married. Due to extreme poverty, countless couples are unable to do so. We are supporting them in this difficult situation through Beautiful Bride, a program which provides financial assistance to offset their marriage expenses and help them thrive through empowerment efforts.
“True beauty starts from within. It’s knowing who we are and whose we are. We are beautiful, fearfully and wonderfully made by our Maker.”
– Margarita Borg
It costs approximately $250 to $300 to support a marriage of one woman. Two percent of Ilana Atelier’s sales and donations advance this mission.
We’re excited to share with you Rosemarie’s story, our first beautiful bride. With your support, we’d love to help many more.