Lisa Chedanne: The Heart and Soul of LILYA
As we celebrate Harvest, our new Spring Summer 2025 collection, and celebrate 20 incredible years of LILYA, it feels only right to shine a light on the woman who has been the unwavering force behind it all — Lisa Chedanne, founder, designer, and the heart of the brand.
Over the years, Lisa has been the anchor and guiding vision for LILYA, shaping its journey with endless creativity, sensitivity, and tireless dedication. She’s not only the designer behind the pieces you love but also the driving force across every aspect of the brand — from marketing and communications to overseeing the business and managing a team that feels more like family. With grace and humility, she carries it all while radiating kindness and calm, even on the busiest days.
Through her commitment to authenticity, Lisa has created more than just a brand; she’s built a community that embodies her values of connection, empowerment, and timeless beauty. As LILYA’s journal celebrates inspiring women, Lisa truly represents the spirit of LILYA. As a founder, single mother, and creative force, she shows us what it means to turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.
Today, we’re excited to share Lisa’s story — a journey of resilience, creativity, and heart. Let her words inspire you, just as they’ve inspired all of us.
Over the years, Lisa has been the anchor and guiding vision for LILYA, shaping its journey with endless creativity, sensitivity, and tireless dedication. She’s not only the designer behind the pieces you love but also the driving force across every aspect of the brand — from marketing and communications to overseeing the business and managing a team that feels more like family. With grace and humility, she carries it all while radiating kindness and calm, even on the busiest days.
Through her commitment to authenticity, Lisa has created more than just a brand; she’s built a community that embodies her values of connection, empowerment, and timeless beauty. As LILYA’s journal celebrates inspiring women, Lisa truly represents the spirit of LILYA. As a founder, single mother, and creative force, she shows us what it means to turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.
Today, we’re excited to share Lisa’s story — a journey of resilience, creativity, and heart. Let her words inspire you, just as they’ve inspired all of us.
Q: Celebrating 20 years of LILYA is such an incredible milestone, and undoubtedly a moment of immense pride for you! Can you take us back to the beginning and share what inspired you to create a brand that celebrates women in such a unique and beautiful way?
A: I honestly can’t believe it’s been 20 years — it’s flown by. But when I stop and reflect, I feel incredibly proud. Reaching this milestone in such a beautiful yet often fickle and ego-driven industry feels like a real achievement.
LILYA was born from a desire to create clothing that felt effortless, wearable, and real — pieces women could live in and wear again and again. I wanted to celebrate the natural beauty and individuality of women, without fuss or pretence. From day one, it was about designing from intuition — making clothes I loved and that fitted well, believing other women wanted the same. The inspiration was always the everyday woman — strong, feminine, independent, and grounded. I’ve never been driven by trends or hype, just by a love of simplicity, form, fit, and feeling. To know the brand has resonated with so many women over two decades is incredibly humbling — and a reminder that staying true to your values and vision really does pay off.
LILYA was born from a desire to create clothing that felt effortless, wearable, and real — pieces women could live in and wear again and again. I wanted to celebrate the natural beauty and individuality of women, without fuss or pretence. From day one, it was about designing from intuition — making clothes I loved and that fitted well, believing other women wanted the same. The inspiration was always the everyday woman — strong, feminine, independent, and grounded. I’ve never been driven by trends or hype, just by a love of simplicity, form, fit, and feeling. To know the brand has resonated with so many women over two decades is incredibly humbling — and a reminder that staying true to your values and vision really does pay off.
Q: The fashion industry has changed so much in the past two decades. What do you believe is the secret behind LILYA’s enduring success, and how have you managed to stay true to its essence while evolving with these changes?
A: For me, it’s always come down to a few key things: honest relationships — with suppliers, stockists, and customers — great customer service, staying financially grounded, and keeping ego out of the equation.
I’ve always worked hard and stayed focused on what I love doing. I don’t get caught up in the hype or the scene — I just stay in my lane and concentrate on creating timeless, wearable pieces. In truth, LILYA hasn’t changed much in 20 years. The designs remain simple, considered, and quietly confident. It’s never been about chasing trends — it’s about creating pieces people reach for again and again.
That said, the landscape moves faster than ever, especially in marketing. It can feel overwhelming at times, but I remind myself to adapt where needed while staying rooted in the brand’s original spirit. Trusting my instincts and staying close to our core values — that’s what keeps LILYA real and relevant.
I’ve always worked hard and stayed focused on what I love doing. I don’t get caught up in the hype or the scene — I just stay in my lane and concentrate on creating timeless, wearable pieces. In truth, LILYA hasn’t changed much in 20 years. The designs remain simple, considered, and quietly confident. It’s never been about chasing trends — it’s about creating pieces people reach for again and again.
That said, the landscape moves faster than ever, especially in marketing. It can feel overwhelming at times, but I remind myself to adapt where needed while staying rooted in the brand’s original spirit. Trusting my instincts and staying close to our core values — that’s what keeps LILYA real and relevant.
Q: Before founding LILYA, you already had a career in fashion. Could you tell us about your journey in the industry and how those early experiences laid the foundation for the values and direction of LILYA?
A: I’ve always worked in fashion — it was like there was no other path for me. I started in sales straight out of school, working across everything from streetwear to high-end labels. My real introduction to inspiring fashion came at Giorgio Armani, where I learned how clothes should truly fit and move on the body. Later, as a buyer and manager for Loewe (part of the LVMH group), I was jetting off to Europe every 12 weeks for shows, buying clothing and handbags for the Oceania market. At 28, it felt like I’d hit the jackpot — and much of it happened through the connections I made at Armani, just by being chatty, friendly, and working hard.
I also worked for the incredibly stylish Belinda Seper, learning all about high-end brands, retail, shows, and styling. From there, I moved into wholesale, became a fashion agent, and eventually launched my own brand to fill a niche I saw in the market. It was a natural progression and shows you can get somewhere with perseverance, hard work, and a good attitude. I also dabbled in styling and working on shoots, but ultimately, I knew where my passion lay and I still get to do that with my own label.
I also worked for the incredibly stylish Belinda Seper, learning all about high-end brands, retail, shows, and styling. From there, I moved into wholesale, became a fashion agent, and eventually launched my own brand to fill a niche I saw in the market. It was a natural progression and shows you can get somewhere with perseverance, hard work, and a good attitude. I also dabbled in styling and working on shoots, but ultimately, I knew where my passion lay and I still get to do that with my own label.
Q: Reflecting on the past two decades, what are the defining moments or pivotal decisions that shaped your path as an entrepreneur? If you could go back and give one piece of advice to your 20-year-old self, what would it be?
A: There have been so many defining moments — big and small — but one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of staying small and true to your original vision. I think back to the early days, taking work calls from the beach, running a simple business, and making a great living. There was so much freedom and joy in that simplicity.
As the business grew, so did the responsibility — and with that, a little less freedom. If I could tell my 20-year-old self one thing, it would be: don’t rush to scale. Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Protect your time, your creativity, and your peace.
Stay inspired, trust your gut, and don’t get distracted by what everyone else is doing. Keep doing what you love, in your own way. And if you’re a parent, you’ll understand how everything shifts — so give yourself grace and remember: success isn’t just about growth; it’s about feeling fulfilled along the way.
As the business grew, so did the responsibility — and with that, a little less freedom. If I could tell my 20-year-old self one thing, it would be: don’t rush to scale. Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Protect your time, your creativity, and your peace.
Stay inspired, trust your gut, and don’t get distracted by what everyone else is doing. Keep doing what you love, in your own way. And if you’re a parent, you’ll understand how everything shifts — so give yourself grace and remember: success isn’t just about growth; it’s about feeling fulfilled along the way.
Q: Raising your beautiful son, Cole, as a single mother while running a successful brand is deeply inspiring! How has motherhood shaped your perspective on life and business, and what meaningful insights has it brought you?
A: My son Cole is, without question, my greatest achievement. He’s quirky, kind, generous, well-travelled, and wonderfully unique. He loves a road trip during school holidays — probably because he knows I can’t work while I’m driving. He’s my co-pilot, and we spend hours talking, playing music, and exploring. This past year alone, we’ve road-tripped through New Zealand’s South Island and camped and hiked in Carnarvon Gorge, Western Queensland. Together, we’ve travelled throughout Asia, Italy, France, and the UK. Now he dreams of driving Route 66 and visiting Patagonia, while I dream of Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands, more of France, and Greece.
One thing motherhood has taught me: kids are expensive — but they are so worth it. I’ll admit, I work a lot. I have to — I pay the bills on my own. I’m not the mum who’s always home cooking or at every school pickup, but we’re incredibly close. There’s guilt that comes with that, but I focus on the positives and just try my best. We talk openly and honestly, and I truly believe that’s given him a deep respect for women and an emotional intelligence that I’m proud of.
I think one day he’ll be an incredible partner for someone, because he’s grown up seeing the reality of life — his mum working hard, providing, riding the highs and lows, and showing up even when she’s tired or stretched thin. He understands the effort it takes to create a life, and he knows it’s all for us. In many ways, he’s shaped who I am just as much as I’ve shaped him.
I often reflect on the fact that in five years, he’ll leave home — and that will mark a whole new chapter for me. I’m quietly excited about that next phase. For now, I’m focused on guiding him into adulthood and being present for him and the business. But I know that eventually, I’ll return more fully to myself — my creativity, my freedom, and the possibility of something new.
One thing motherhood has taught me: kids are expensive — but they are so worth it. I’ll admit, I work a lot. I have to — I pay the bills on my own. I’m not the mum who’s always home cooking or at every school pickup, but we’re incredibly close. There’s guilt that comes with that, but I focus on the positives and just try my best. We talk openly and honestly, and I truly believe that’s given him a deep respect for women and an emotional intelligence that I’m proud of.
I think one day he’ll be an incredible partner for someone, because he’s grown up seeing the reality of life — his mum working hard, providing, riding the highs and lows, and showing up even when she’s tired or stretched thin. He understands the effort it takes to create a life, and he knows it’s all for us. In many ways, he’s shaped who I am just as much as I’ve shaped him.
I often reflect on the fact that in five years, he’ll leave home — and that will mark a whole new chapter for me. I’m quietly excited about that next phase. For now, I’m focused on guiding him into adulthood and being present for him and the business. But I know that eventually, I’ll return more fully to myself — my creativity, my freedom, and the possibility of something new.
Q: Empowering the women around you is something close to your heart, starting with the customers who wear the brand. LILYA’s collections have always prioritised women: from the shapes and sizing to the thoughtful details, each piece is designed to celebrate the beauty of the woman’s body. Could you share some of the bestsellers over the years that you feel best define the essence of LILYA?
A: Oh gosh, where do I even start? The Roni Mini Dress — how could we forget that one! It was a total hit — Vogue Online even snapped Gisele wearing it on holiday in Costa Rica. Fun fact: she bought three LILYA pieces from my beautiful stockist, Studio Colectiva in Santa Teresa.
Back then, no one was really using linen in fashion like this — it was kind of seen as ‘rich old lady’ fabric. But from my time at Giorgio Armani, I’d learned all about linen, beautiful fabrics, classic cuts, and the importance of not over-ironing. Clothes are meant to have that lived-in feel! I started introducing more linen into the collections. It was a hard sell at first, but then that dress just flew off the shelves. Fast forward a few years, and linen was everywhere. Buyers would say, “Oh, linen’s so on-trend now,” and I’d quietly laugh, knowing it hadn’t been around like this in Australia before.
Another favourite is the Mongolian Lambswool Jacket — we did it in a few colours, it popped up in editorials, was worn by Lana Del Rey, and it was such a unique piece. We’re actually bringing it back in chocolate for AW26 — so stay tuned!
Honestly, over 20 years, there have been so many iconic pieces — dresses, pants, and the signature LILYA frilly top. People tell me I have a bit of a Frenchy vibe, and I lean into that — I love the effortless, chic, slightly thrown-together look the French do so well. Feminine but easy and natural.
Back then, no one was really using linen in fashion like this — it was kind of seen as ‘rich old lady’ fabric. But from my time at Giorgio Armani, I’d learned all about linen, beautiful fabrics, classic cuts, and the importance of not over-ironing. Clothes are meant to have that lived-in feel! I started introducing more linen into the collections. It was a hard sell at first, but then that dress just flew off the shelves. Fast forward a few years, and linen was everywhere. Buyers would say, “Oh, linen’s so on-trend now,” and I’d quietly laugh, knowing it hadn’t been around like this in Australia before.
Another favourite is the Mongolian Lambswool Jacket — we did it in a few colours, it popped up in editorials, was worn by Lana Del Rey, and it was such a unique piece. We’re actually bringing it back in chocolate for AW26 — so stay tuned!
Honestly, over 20 years, there have been so many iconic pieces — dresses, pants, and the signature LILYA frilly top. People tell me I have a bit of a Frenchy vibe, and I lean into that — I love the effortless, chic, slightly thrown-together look the French do so well. Feminine but easy and natural.
Q: The word “Community” is at the heart of LILYA’s identity. As an expat, we know that building meaningful relationships takes time and effort. What does community mean to you, and what has your personal journey of creating one been like?
A: Community is everything. Finding your tribe is so important for your well-being and happiness. In my own journey, I’ve made mistakes — especially in my personal life — by aligning with people whose values were so different from mine that I ended up questioning my own intuition. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that I thrive in long-term work relationships, even when romantic ones haven’t always worked out. I’m happy to say I’ve built a small, soulful, creative circle of friends, and that’s been a really important part of this journey. One of the most meaningful relationships in my life is with Eri, who’s been making LILYA with me for 20 years. We’re the same age and have been through so much together — marriage, divorce, health ups and downs. Eri’s also a devout Muslim, and I love learning about her faith and observing her kindness. She’s now a grandmother and has beautifully reshaped her life to focus on family, choosing to work with just two clients. Watching her prioritise what matters has been inspiring — it’s a reminder that community isn’t just about the people around you, but the connections that truly nourish you, no matter where you come from or what you believe in.
Q: This year, LILYA’s journal has taken a stronger position, celebrating inspiring women who embody LILYA’s spirit through their stories, passions, careers, lifestyles, and creativity. Who are some of the extraordinary women who have inspired you along the way, and what impact have they had on your life?
A: I’ve been lucky to cross paths with so many incredible women over the years, but here are just a few.
Ainslie Curran is a lifelong friend — vibrant, bubbly, and with such sharp attention to detail. We worked together at Giorgio Armani, and god, we had fun! Even though we don’t see each other often now, she’s someone I’ll always hold close.
Belinda Seper, the iconic owner of Belinda boutiques, has been a huge inspiration. I was honestly in awe of her style and presence.
Priscilla Scott is another — strong, kind, grounded. She has always been much less outwardly emotional than me, which I always found calming. She’s creative, family-focused, and real. Watching her relationship with her husband Nick, who she’s been with since they were 16, has been beautiful.
Adeline Conti came to LILYA as a graduate and stayed for years. Now she’s a mum of two, with a beautiful home and a great career. I’m so proud of the woman she’s become, and I like to think I played a small part in her journey.
And, of course, the women I work with every day — Rachel in the Australian office, the girls in the Bali office, the creative team, my agent of ten years Natalia of LTD agency, and those in the stores that have stocked LILYA for 20 years. We’ve grown together, built families, navigated challenges. They’re a big part of this journey, and I’m deeply grateful for them.
Ainslie Curran is a lifelong friend — vibrant, bubbly, and with such sharp attention to detail. We worked together at Giorgio Armani, and god, we had fun! Even though we don’t see each other often now, she’s someone I’ll always hold close.
Belinda Seper, the iconic owner of Belinda boutiques, has been a huge inspiration. I was honestly in awe of her style and presence.
Priscilla Scott is another — strong, kind, grounded. She has always been much less outwardly emotional than me, which I always found calming. She’s creative, family-focused, and real. Watching her relationship with her husband Nick, who she’s been with since they were 16, has been beautiful.
Adeline Conti came to LILYA as a graduate and stayed for years. Now she’s a mum of two, with a beautiful home and a great career. I’m so proud of the woman she’s become, and I like to think I played a small part in her journey.
And, of course, the women I work with every day — Rachel in the Australian office, the girls in the Bali office, the creative team, my agent of ten years Natalia of LTD agency, and those in the stores that have stocked LILYA for 20 years. We’ve grown together, built families, navigated challenges. They’re a big part of this journey, and I’m deeply grateful for them.
Q: As an entrepreneur and mum, finding time for yourself must be challenging. When you do manage to carve out time, how do you recharge? What passions, places, activities, or rituals help you reconnect and maintain balance?
A: Living in Bali gives me a bit more space for self-care — things I couldn’t have imagined fitting in back home, like weekly massages or exploring alternative healing. Over the years, I’ve also had help at home and with my son, which is a gift, though it comes with its own responsibilities. Managing a team of 25 full-time staff means there’s always someone relying on you, and when your office is at home, it’s a fine balance between staying connected and setting boundaries.
When I do carve out time, I love my weekly swim, sauna, and gym sessions. I’m passionate about Pilates and yoga — I even built a studio at home — though I’ll admit, I’m still learning to prioritise myself. I’m a high-energy workaholic who often forgets she’s not 30 anymore!
My son and my animals bring me so much joy — a teenager, two dogs, and two cats keep things light but busy at home. And a couple of times a year, I make sure to fully step away for a few days alone to reset. That escape, even if brief, does wonders.
When I do carve out time, I love my weekly swim, sauna, and gym sessions. I’m passionate about Pilates and yoga — I even built a studio at home — though I’ll admit, I’m still learning to prioritise myself. I’m a high-energy workaholic who often forgets she’s not 30 anymore!
My son and my animals bring me so much joy — a teenager, two dogs, and two cats keep things light but busy at home. And a couple of times a year, I make sure to fully step away for a few days alone to reset. That escape, even if brief, does wonders.
Q: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future? How do you envision the next few years for yourself and LILYA, and are there any particular projects or dreams you’re eager to pursue?
A: I’m at a point where I want to work smarter, not harder. I’d love to create smaller, more intentional collections, closer to season, allowing more space for creativity and presence. I want to empower my team more — to step back, slow down, and give myself room to think, dream, and design from a calmer place. I’m always full of new business ideas, but creativity needs calm — and that’s something I’m learning to prioritise. I’ve always loved retail and merchandising, so opening a store in Australia is a dream. Right now, I have three beautiful stores in Bali — Cove. Island Essentials — which showcase LILYA alongside curated homewares, art, and gifts. I genuinely love connecting with people, and retail gives me that daily.
Personally, I want to travel more, find balance, get fit, build deep friendships, and spend quality time with my son — explore the world together before he heads off on his own journey. And one day, I dream of having a little farm filled with animals and flowers, where I can live simply, stay quietly creative, and just be.
Personally, I want to travel more, find balance, get fit, build deep friendships, and spend quality time with my son — explore the world together before he heads off on his own journey. And one day, I dream of having a little farm filled with animals and flowers, where I can live simply, stay quietly creative, and just be.
Q: And one last question before we let you go: as Harvest is now available online, could you share a few words about the new collection?
A: Harvest is such a beautiful collection — it really tells a story. That’s thanks to the collaboration between my team and Cindy Palot, who came on as a freelance consultant. To be honest, sometimes I can feel overwhelmed balancing the designing, the business, and, well… life!
But with this one, Cindy helped me pause, step back, and edit. Together, we shaped the range with real intention. It was exciting to explore new ways of working — we learned so much from each other and became friends along the way. In the end, we created a collection I truly love. We’re already working on the next one, and now that we understand each other more, it’s even more inspiring creatively.
Harvest is a range that speaks to womanhood — the archetypes we all carry within.
But with this one, Cindy helped me pause, step back, and edit. Together, we shaped the range with real intention. It was exciting to explore new ways of working — we learned so much from each other and became friends along the way. In the end, we created a collection I truly love. We’re already working on the next one, and now that we understand each other more, it’s even more inspiring creatively.
Harvest is a range that speaks to womanhood — the archetypes we all carry within.
As we celebrate two decades of creativity, resilience, and heart, Lisa’s story reminds us what LILYA has always stood for — authenticity, timeless femininity, and the beauty of staying true to your path. Her journey continues to inspire the women who wear her designs and those who work alongside her every day. Here’s to the next chapter of LILYA — filled with purpose, growth, and grace. Explore Harvest, our latest collection, now available online — a reflection of Lisa’s vision, crafted with love and intention for the women who embody the spirit of LILYA.