Best British Designer-Makers: Leanne Lucas

Leanne Lucas, creator of  label Lulu and Luca, is a fashion and textile designer. She makes a unique range of accessories and home furnishings, all made using natural fabrics and silkscreen printed by hand.

I caught up with Leanne to discuss her inspirations, favourite makers and goals for her design label. Pop that kettle on!

Prior to studying at Northumbria University, did you always want to be a textile designer?

I remember having my first careers interview at school aged 15 and being asked, “What do you want to be?” And I replied, “a secretary”. To be honest I wasn’t really sure what I could be.

It was my mum who convinced me to step into the creative world. She said: “You’re off to art college, you’ll love it there” and I did!

What inspires you?

My inspiration comes from everywhere, even when I’m trying to relax and read a magazine I find myself reaching for the post-it notes or tearing the pages out.

But I do love the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras – there was something colourful, new and exciting about those times.

 

What’s the best part of your day?

Morning, because it’s the beginning of the day and it feels like absolutely anything is possible.

Name three of your prize possessions…

Diary – my husband said: “It doesn’t matter how good you are, if you are not organised there is only so far you can go.”

A necklace my friend bought me for my 30th birthday, it always makes me smile when I wear it.

Camera – it’s great for taking those quick snap shots of any unexpected inspiration I come across throughout the day!

My work is currently available online and at the markets and fairs I do, so next year I aim to be in some stockists around the country.

I have worked on couple of large bag prototypes which people have been very interested in so I hope to have these on sale soon.

I would love to be able to offer my printed fabric by the metre, this is something I will be working on in the future.

Where can people buy your range of accessories and soft furnishings?

Online at luluandluca and my work will also be available at:

Made London October 25th-27th as part of the collective Twenty brought together by the Craft Council’s 2013 Hothouse programme // Smiths Row for their Smiths Row at Christmas exhibition which opens November 16th // East London Design Fair December 5th-8th // Designers-Makers Christmas Market December 21st.

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P.S Explore the blog for more UK designer-makers