Albanian fashion designer Erba, or @style_by_erba on Instagram, has accomplished quite a bit at just seventeen years old. Featured in Living Magazine and others, Erba’s designs are eye-catching and beautiful, with sleek silhouettes and rich tones. Her Instagram account boasts not just the designs themselves, but also her musings on what inspired each piece. She explains her thought process around designing and where she sees her brand, ERBA, going in the future below.

You’ve said you started your account, @style_by_erba at 14; what drew you to designing clothing at such a young age?
At the age of 14, I felt a strong pull towards the world of fashion and style. Since I was a child, I've had a deep interest in art and creativity, and clothing became my way to express the ideas and passion I had for bringing something fresh into the fashion world. For me, designing clothes wasn't just an activity, it was an opportunity to create something that could impact how people feel and look. This natural passion for style and creativity drove me to start this path at such a young age, especially with the new opportunities that modern technology, like social media, gave me to share my creations with the world.

What inspires your design process when creating a new piece?
My design process is inspired by a variety of factors, ranging from nature, art, culture, and, of course, people. Every everyday detail can be a source of inspiration—a particular color I see in the sun, a shape I see in architecture, or even the emotions people express through their clothing style. For me, every collection I create is a story I want to tell. I like to use light colors and combine different materials to create something that is unique and memorable. Inspiration can also come from my travels and from meeting people who have special stories. I am fully dedicated to each creative process and always try to bring something new that I feel fits the modern world, but also maintains a special element that is only mine.

Who do you imagine to be the target audience for your designs?
The target audience for my designs are people who are passionate about fashion and who want to express their identity through clothing. They are also those who are looking for styles that are modern, but have a unique touch and that break away from traditional norms. More than that, they are those who feel confident and empowered when wearing something that makes them look different and that reflects their unique personality. I want my designs to be for those who look for quality, detail and aesthetic value, but also for those who are willing to dare and try something new. Regardless of age or origin, my audience is for those who are open to change and want to feel special.

Do you have a designer other than yourself that you look to for inspiration, or simply a personal favorite?Yes, I certainly have some designers that I admire and who inspire me. One of them is Elsa Schiaparelli. Her extraordinary creativity and innovation in the field of fashion, along with the use of unexpected and extraordinary elements, have made her legacy indelible. Schiaparelli was one of the greatest designers who challenged the norms and brought a fusion of art and fashion that was radical for the time. She was known for her work with surrealism and collaborations with famous artists such as Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau. I also admire other designers such as Dior and Vivienne Westwood, who have brought a new spirit to the fashion industry and have created collections that have had an impact and that have remained timeless. However, my inspiration does not only come from big names. Often, inspiration can also come from ordinary people that I see every day—from their unique styles and the way they express themselves through their clothing.

How would you describe your own personal style?
My personal style is a mix of elegance and boldness. I like to experiment with different shapes and colors, but always maintaining a refined aesthetic. Despite following fashion trends, I always try to bring a unique element that reflects my personality and the feelings I want to express. I like to create clothes that are both simple and distinctive. Another part of my style is the dedication to quality and details; I believe that details make the difference and are what give character and life to any outfit. The use of accessories and small additions, such as jewelry or stylized jeans, is also an important part of my style, as they can provide an instant change and can attract attention.

Does your style when designing differ from the way you dress yourself day-to-day?
Yes, there is a difference between my personal style and what I create for my followers. When I design, I like to experiment and create something special that can express new and bold ideas. My collections are often bolder and more refined, because I want to create clothes that can challenge and convey a strong message. In everyday life, I often prefer a simpler and more comfortable style, but I always maintain elegance and an individual touch that reflects me. I like to combine fashion elements with the practicality of everyday life, creating a look that is both refined and functional.

Are there any other ways you express yourself creatively in your everyday life?
Yes, I have always wanted to express my creativity in many forms, not just through clothing design. For example, I have a passion for visual art, such as painting and drawing, and I often enjoy experimenting with colors and shapes on paper. Also, interior design is another way to express myself – I like to create spaces that are functional and aesthetically appealing, using shapes and colors that reflect my passion for design. Music is also a big part of my life – through it I feel I can express feelings and emotions that I cannot capture in the form of visual art or design. I enjoy listening to a wide range of genres and this helps me to relax and find inspiration for my work. I think that any art form or activity can bring some kind of inspiration that we can use to enrich our creativity.

How do you balance your dedication to fashion with your other commitments as a 17 year old?
For me, balance is a challenge, but I always try to organize my time so that I can devote myself to both fashion and other aspects of life. I have a set routine, where I prioritize important tasks, but I also make sure that I have time for myself and for activities that inspire me. When I have clothing design projects, I try to work on them on the weekends or after school, when I can be more focused. But, I know that it is important to maintain a balance, so I also try to engage in activities that help me relax, such as music or helping with other art-related projects. It is important to be disciplined and be able to manage my time efficiently, and for this I have support from family and friends, who help me stay motivated.

Have you ever been told that you’re too young, or not been taken seriously? What is your response?
Yes, I have had comments from time to time that I am too young to have a big impact in the fashion industry, or that I cannot be serious because of my age. However, I have great self-confidence and have always believed that age is just a number. This is a dream of mine and I have great discipline and dedication that will lead me to its realization. I believe that with the passion and dedication that I have, “ERBA” will become an international brand that will recognize successes on a global level. For me, it is important not to let any obstacle stop me and to keep moving forward, because I think that young people are often the ones who bring change and challenge the status quo with new ideas and works.

What has been the highlight of your career thus far?
The highlight of my career so far has been collaborating with Living magazine here in Albania, an opportunity offered to me by Editor Santana Comora. This was an unforgettable moment and a great recognition for my work, as the magazine has managed to be clicked by more than 500K+ people. This was a big step for me, as not only was my work appreciated, but it also gave me the opportunity to reach a very wide audience. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with renowned illustrators and fashion designers, both in Albania and abroad, and this has contributed greatly to the development and growth of my brand. Seeing my work being appreciated and distributed on such a large level was a very special feeling and has increased my confidence to continue with passion and dedication in developing my brand, “ERBA”.

How do you see yourself continuing to evolve as a designer? What do you think is next for you?
As a designer, I see myself continuing to evolve and grow through the experiences and lessons I learn along the way. My passion for fashion is always growing and, over time, I have learned to be more daring and experiment with my style. Soon, I aim to develop collections that suit different tastes and that incorporate innovative techniques and materials. My future as a designer will include growing my brand “ERBA”, making it an international and well-known brand. I also want to engage in more collaborations with other designers and brands, as well as explore new opportunities in the fashion industry, including collections for future seasons and the development of different lines, such as those for everyday wear and accessories. I believe that nothing is impossible, and the future holds endless possibilities for experimentation and creation.

Do you have any major goals for your involvement in the fashion world in the future?
Yes, I have big goals for my future in the fashion industry. One of my main goals is to develop and create my own brand, “ERBA”, an international and globally recognized name. I have a vision to create collections that are sustainable, attractive and that adapt to the needs and desires of people from all over the world. I want to experiment with new techniques and materials that can bring innovation to the fashion industry, while also trying to ensure that each collection I create has a strong message and a unique identity. Also, another important goal is to engage in collaborations with internationally recognized designers and brands to share my vision and bring new and fresh fashion to the world. Also, one of my main goals is to continue my studies at the University of Fashion Design, to deepen my knowledge and further develop my professional skills, learning from industry experts. I believe that education is a very important step to create a sustainable and successful career.

Ultimately, all I want is to make a positive impact on the fashion industry by creating something that is beautiful, sustainable, and reflects my values. My dream is for people to feel empowered and inspired by the clothes I create, and for “ERBA” to be a name associated with quality, creativity, and expression of individuality. “I believe that every step I take, no matter how small it may seem, is a step towards achieving these big goals, and I am fully committed to going all the way to make them happen.”

Interview by Logan Dutra, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Robin Chou, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine

Erba, Rising Star