Diella Valla is an artist and illustrator whose work explores form, texture, and the human figure in a really intuitive, expressive way. She works entirely by hand, and that process comes through in her illustrations — they feel tactile, layered, and deeply connected to clothing as a visual language.
When she created a series of artworks inspired by Moma Hilo pieces, she didn’t just capture the sculptural forms of the garments, but the feeling behind them too. In this conversation, we talk about her artistic journey, her influences, her love of fashion illustration, and the themes of female identity and storytelling that run through her work.
Penelope: Hey Diella! Can you start by telling us about your journey as an artist — how you first discovered a passion for painting and illustration, and what keeps you inspired today?
Diella: I first came to painting and fashion illustration instinctively. As a child, I was constantly creating figures, fascinated by clothing, colours, textures, and how fabrics could shape a body or mood. I dressed my characters carefully, as if each garment carried its own story.
Growing up in a family of painters, art was always close, and the works of my grandfather and parents quietly shaped my sensitivity and visual language. Painting became inseparable from who I am as a passion that still feels like part of my skin.
Fashion illustration remained a parallel path, a space of freedom where I could explore the side of myself that once dreamed of being a fashion designer, translating my love for form, colour, and texture into a different rhythm that continues to enrich my artistic practice even today.
Penelope: Your artworks — including the pieces you’ve created of Moma Hilo — are beautiful and expressive. What draws you to fashion as a subject, and how does it influence the way you approach your work?
Diella: As painting is, fashion is another storyteller, that lightens up the stories through colors shapes and textures. Working with fashion allows me to explore form and expression in a very visual, tactile way, which naturally informs my broader artistic practice. It’s a lens through which I examine movement by enriching the way I approach composition, colour, and the human figure in all my work.
Penelope: Who are some of your biggest artistic influences — whether from painting, fashion illustration, or beyond — and how have they shaped your style?
Diella: In painting I have been lately inspired and deeply intrigued from Magritte’s works, although there are many well-known painters I find very inspiring. On the other hand, Isabel Marant is an always true inspiration for fashion and keeps me exploring bohemian style through fashion figures. I’m also fascinated by the visionary work of John Galliano, Vivienne Westwood, Raf Simons, and Marc Jacobs, whose creativity and approach to form, texture, and storytelling continually inspire the way I explore fashion through my art.
Penelope: Your work often feels bold and layered. Can you describe your creative process — from concept to finished artwork? Eg. Do you work traditionally, digitally, or both?
Diella: My creative process usually begins with an instinctive that I want to explore.
I work entirely traditionally, and my fashion illustrations are created with watercolours, allowing me to experiment with colour, texture, and fluidity as I go. I like to build each piece in layers, gradually refining forms, details, and the overall composition until it feels complete. This hands-on approach keeps my work tactile and expressive, letting the medium itself guide part of the process.
Penelope: I’d love to hear about your thoughts on female identity, strength, and their presence in your work — especially since many of your pieces explore the body, voice, or narrative in powerful ways. How do you approach these themes?
Diella: I’m very interested in exploring female identity, strength, and presence in my work. I focus the hidden figures as storytellers that evolve narratives of individuality and confidence, and I try to give each figure a sense of voice and story. For me, it’s about capturing the power and complexity of women in a way that feels both honest and expressive.
Penelope: Your illustrations of Moma Hilo pieces are incredible, you’ve really captured the sculptural form of the pieces, why did you choose to illustrate these specific styles that you’ve chosen? And what drew you to the brand in the first place?
Diella: I was drawn to Moma Hilo because of the way the brand plays with the colour black, and layering in its designs. I love how each piece has a sculptural quality while staying true to the designer’s vision. In the past, I was inspired by paper dolls, and for this project, I wanted to bring that idea back to create a new narrative. Illustrating these styles allowed me to explore form, texture, and movement in a way that reflects both the clothes and my own artistic approach, and this time experimenting within the theme of paper dolls.
(Head to our instagram here to see Diella's video)
Penelope: What’s one piece you’ve created that you feel especially proud of, and why?
Diella: I’m especially happy of my triptychs Detachment and Epidermal Narcissus. Working on them allowed me to explore a deeply personal theme, and the triptych format gave me the space to let the ideas evolve and interact visually. These pieces feel very intimate, and they represent a point in my practice where my concept and technique fully came together.
Penelope: Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about? We’d love to know!
Diella: I am currently exploring new painting ideas and fashion illustration projects that continue to merge personal narrative with visual experimentation. I’m also excited about potential collaborations with other artists and designers, where I can push my work in new directions and explore fresh ideas together.
You can see more of Diella's incredible work here
If you enjoyed reading this, sign up to our mailing list to receive our regular Design Diary email here.