Designer Spotlight: Layou

We're so excited to introduce our first designer in the Designer Spotlight series - Shay Sobol, the Woman Behind Layou. 

"Hi everyone, I'm Shay Sobol, the owner and designer of Layou. I'm 41 years old, a graduate of the Textile Design department at Shenkar College, married to Idan, and a mom to two wonderful children - 9-year-old Tomi and 4-year-old Alex, who are my whole world.

Fashion has been a huge part of my life since I was a little girl. I always loved choosing the clothes I wore and as a child, I would cut up my own clothes and sew new outfits for my Barbies. I spent many years working in the fashion industry in various roles, gaining experience and knowledge, which ultimately led me to start my own brand, Layou.

How did Layou come to be? 

Shay: Layou was born almost seven years ago at a time when I felt lost and uncertain about my path. It was a true turning point in my life and an opportunity that arrived at the perfect moment.

I absolutely love my work, and today, after years of self-reflection, I can confidently say that I'm very good at it.

What's your design philosophy behind Layou?

Shay: I design and create the clothes that I would want to wear. I strongly believe that you look your best when you feel comfortable. After years of feeling uncomfortable in my own clothes, I realized that it was something I was no longer willing to compromise on. That's how it all started, however at some point, I realized that it wasn't enough for me, and I wanted more.

Comfort alone wasn't enough; I also wanted to feel amazing and confident in my clothes. For me personally, age, pregnancies, and childbirth only made this more challenging.

How do you achieve that balance of comfort and style?

Shay: I think that's my breakthrough with Layou – achieving both comfort and style. Looking and feeling fabulous even when you're exhausted and don't feel like doing anything. When I see my customers smiling despite everything, I know I've succeeded.

Each season, the cuts get a little twist, the colors change a bit, the style evolves, and I feel like I'm constantly changing and growing through the clothes.

For example, for years I avoided wearing shorts, and today I realize how unnecessary it was to hide and suffer. And suddenly, shorts started appearing in my summer collections.

Along with all of this, the clothes will always, always, always have to be comfortable, enjoyable, cozy, and joyful.

I use high-quality fabrics that are soft to the touch and durable, ensuring that our garments can withstand the demands of everyday life. Each piece is designed to transition seamlessly from day to night with just a few styling adjustments.

In my closet, there's no separation between everyday clothes and evening wear. I love that I can take the same item and make it look different with different styling and accessories.

I love that when I have no choice but to be in the garden, sweating and getting bitten all over, I can still feel comfortable and stylish. I love that the clothes are designed with an understanding that I need a bra and don't have a flat stomach, and they serve my body and me.

And that's essentially what I do here at Layou :)

What does it mean to be a fashion designer in Israel?

Shay: First of all, it's amazing. Israel is a hub of creativity and talent, and the fashion scene here is incredibly vibrant and diverse. However, there are also challenges, such as the need for climate-specific clothing and the security and political situation that creates instability and sometimes even fear.

Creating in Israel has advantages like accessibility, knowing that everything is sewn under fair and proper conditions, with workers who receive fair pay. This also has financial costs that don't allow Israeli fashion to be accessible to everyone.

What materials do you prefer to work with?

Shay: Textiles are only imported because there's no textile industry in the country.

I primarily work with natural fabrics like cotton and viscose, often blended with high-quality synthetic materials to enhance durability. Every fabric is rigorously tested for comfort and wearability before being used in our collections.

Who is the ideal Layou customer?

Shay: The Layou woman leads a dynamic life and wants to look and feel her best without sacrificing comfort. She appreciates unique designs and values high-quality, sustainable fashion.

Most items allow you to transition from a daytime look to an evening look with a change of styling and accessories.

I design clothes that make women happy, with a variety of body types and in a range of sizes from 36-46.

What's one thing you want people to know about Layou?

Clothes should serve you, not the other way around. At Layou, we believe that fashion should be empowering and joyful, allowing you to express your individuality without compromising on comfort or style.

 Check out Layou's latest collection