Guest Lecture: Layla-Joy Williams, the Founder and CEO of IYLIA
Products of Design was thrilled to host Layla-Joy Williams, the Founder and CEO of IYLIA. Layla-Joy shares her inspiring personal journey as a footwear designer—from starting out as a student at Pratt Institute to her first jobs in the fashion industry to launching her own company.
"Whatever area of design you decide to go into,
you must understand how things are made."
In her informative lecture, Layla-Joy talks about her early experiences as a young designer working closely with factories in China, Brazil, and Italy. She underscores the importance of understanding the manufacturing process, bridging strong relationships with factories, and clearly communicating your design ideas. "Whatever area of design you decide to go into, you must understand how things are made."
For more than 14 years, Layla-Joy Williams has used her design experience to gain insights into the most prized accessory category within women's fashion—footwear. Graduating with honors from the Pratt Institute of Technology in New York City with a focus in Industrial Design, Williams quickly established her presence in the industry. She has designed for industry leaders like Converse and Nina Shoes, and worked with Michael Kors and Stuart Weitzman. In 2015, she launched her own company, IYLIA.