ilana for women of substance

by Diana A. Uy

While most designers speak of fashion inspirations coming from Paris, Milan, Japan, or New York, Marlyn Rosas Gilan turns to religion to create one-of-a-kind pieces that spell wearability, versatility and sexiness without being sacrilegious.

A convert to Judaism, Gilan has been living the kosher life for 15 years now. Her Hebrew name is Ilana, which means “strong tree.” It is also the name of her boutique at the ground floor of Saville building, Senator Gil Puyat Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City.

“My religion plays a very big part in my designs,” says the 50-something mom, “They are a bit conservative, with longer hemlines and lesser cleavage. I create pieces I like to wear, for the modern Jewish woman, and of course, for women my age. That we can still be sexy no matter what size we are in through our clothes.”

True enough, Gilan designs kimono tops and dresses infused with Japanese or geometric prints, jerseys, asymmetrical skirts and tops, LBDs, T-shirt dresses, ruffled numbers that hide body flaws but flaunt assets. Skirts fall to the calves or just right above the knee. Necklines—scooped or plunging—hang a little above the bosom, covering and showing just enough. She uses fabrics like silk, chiffon, lace, rayon, and cotton, sourcing them from all over Asia. Soon, she plans to import materials from Milan.

Ilana also carries snakeskin bags, including leather bags from European brands like Borella and Fancy. There are also an array of accessories like belts, scarves, hats and bangles to update and enhance one’s outfit.

Gilan counts Kenzo, Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyaki and Valentino among her fashion icons. She owns a travel agency, allowing her to travel the world and check out designs from abroad. She incorporates these touches in her designs, which she proudly says are more European. Gilan, after all, lived in Italy for some time. This was in the early ’90s, when she was having her breast cancer treated. It was during those years she started designing. In between, Gilan painted abstract images in oil. She put up her own fashion boutique a year ago, to do something with her time. Her 17-year-old daughter just left for France to study, leaving Gilan a small void in her life she is now filling through Ilana.

“Ilana is all about self-affirmation,” says Gilan, “It’s about having your own style, of being comfortable with your own skin, of confidence and empowerment.”

Ilana is located at the ground floor of Saville building, Senator Gil Puyat Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas, Makati City