Weeks ago, while getting my hair done, I came across an article in the Real Detroit Weekly, which caught my eye– an article about Femilia Couture. Ironically enough, on January 30, SHEI joined Fotoula Lambros and Emily Thornhill (the founders of Femilia Couture) to celebrate the third birthday of the Detroit designer label. The Femilia designers were ecstatic to help A-Line with the weekly column. In fact, they call themselves big fans of the SHEI team!

1. How do the two of you (Fotoula and Emily) know each other?

Emily: We met studying fashion design at I.A.D.T. Detroit in Troy back in 2004 and have been friends ever since!

2. How did you come up with the idea of “Femilia Couture?”

We wanted to collaborate together as designers and decided to put a dream into action.  The name Femilia is our names Fotoula Amalia and Emily combined.

3. You recently celebrated your third year in business! How did that feel?

It was fulfilling, although we know we have far to go. We feel very accomplished and proud of the work we’ve put out.  It really felt like the three years just flew by.

4. Are you both originally from Detroit? How is it working in the Detroit area?

Fotoula was born and raised in Ferndale and I [Emily] was raised in Milford.  But we both have supported and visited the city as much as possible and have a deep love and connection with it.  Working in the Detroit area has been very rewarding for us. The fashion community here is very small, supportive, and inspiring.  We feel it is a perfect place for us to get our feet wet as we begin to make a name for ourselves.

5. You call your designs “feminine, flirty, and functional.” Why is that?

We love dressing up and having fun with fashion.  Being a woman and having thousands of silhouettes to choose from is very empowering.  We try to make clothes that enable our clients to feel confident, beautiful, sustainable, and comfortable.

6. What are your favorite trends right now? Least favorite?

Emily: My favorite trend is liquid leggings and least favorite is dressing like your favorite cartoon character.

Fotoula: My favorite trend is volume in the upper torso and least favorite is polyester leotards.

7. So tell me about the designs.

Our designs are created in a very unconventional way and the organic fabrics we use compliment our dramatic ways of draping and drafting.  They are couture, avant-guarde, ready-to-wear fashion forward and for the confident, ambitious woman.

8. What is the inspiration behind them?

Our inspiration can come from just about anything: a time in history, a femme fatal or bombshell personality in

cinema, art, music. Both international and Detroit street style. But, the figure of the woman is our main inspiration.

9. What was your proudest moment at Femilia?

Our proudest moment at Femilia Couture would have to be getting the keys to our storefront.  We have worked very hard to have a beautiful, professional place for our clients to come!

10. What is your favorite design that you’ve done?

Our favorite design that we’ve done is a dress created out of silk crepe de chine and abalone shells.  The shells were all broken, hand drilled and sewn to the bodice in a beautiful puzzle of irridecence.  It was featured on the cover of The Real Detroit Weekly, January 27th (see above).

11. How difficult is it running your own company?

It’s definitely not easy! It has been a steady challange trying to balance work, Femilia, and life.  But we have an undying passion and drive for what we do and feel that we’re really in the right place. Fashion is not for everyone. It’s for the fearless!

12. Most importantly: Where can people buy your designs designs?

Our designs are available for purchase at our boutique/showroom on 420 Hilton Road, Ferndale MI.  We take appointments only and can be reached at 248.850.8939!

Femilia is a hot commodity in the Detroit area. I have no doubt that Fotoula and Emily will be successful in their fashion endeavors!