Fanciful, organic, playful, and colourful best describe the truly original garments from Lu Flux. The London-based designer uses vintage and salvaged fabrics to create her signature patchwork one-offs with stunning effect. Combining the contemporary with a bit of history and storytelling, Lu Flux garments and accessories offer the rare and special quality of a nostalgic feel with a fresh and forward look.





How did you get your start as a fashion designer?
I graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 2006 with a Fashion degree after which I went to work for Bernhard Willhelm in Paris as a design assistant which was amazing. After this I came back to the UK and moved to London where I started dabbling with my label. I eventually made a collection for a gallery show in Bethnal Green and since then it has been a non-stop whirlwind.

Have you always been an ethical designer? What made you decide to work with salvaged and vintage materials?
When I was studying I made my final collection using salvaged fabrics. I have always collected vintage materials, fabrics and trinkets and this was a lovely, personal way of using them within my work. For me being ethical is a plus point secondary to designing.







Your clothes look comfortable and have a homey, nostalgic feel but they're also quite fantastical. Where do you think your unique perspective comes from?
Lots of my references and inspirations come from vintage photographs and paintings so I think perhaps that is where the nostalgic element of my designs come into my work - plus obviously the use of vintage fabrics. I try to mix the contemporary with historic and that is what I want Lu Flux to represent as a brand.

Do you use any special techniques in your work?
I like to mix traditional techniques with modern processes. For example I use a lot of knitting and patchworking within my work yet I have also used laser cutting and digital printing. I think this is something that gives my work its modern yet antiquated look.

That amazing dress with the layers-upon-layers skirt you created for A/W, how long did it take to make?
The 'Damsel in this Dress' took around three days to make. I love it and want to make a wedding dress version of it (not necessarily for me though!).







Your men's clothes are so fun and so far removed from the usual dry menswear out there. What kind of man wears Lu Flux?
I want to give men the option to have fun with their clothes like I do with my womenswear. I love designing for men, it is like an extended daydream. I just imagine what I would find attractive on a man and let the ideas circulate. I realize that makes it all sound quite shallow but I like a man who enjoys the cut of his clothing but also doesn't take everything so seriously.


Selected pieces from 'The Eco Life of Riley' collection are available here