For those in the know, http://lulukennedy.blogspot.com/is the fairy godmother of British fashion (or the ‘Big Sister’ as she calls herself). As founder of [[[http://www.fashioneast.co.uk/ Fashion East – a network supporting young, UK-based designers – she’s been a force behind some of fashion’s biggest talents, from Holly Fulton to Jonathan Saunders.
Last year, for the 10th anniversary of Fashion East, Lulu put her wealth of experience and heaving contacts book to use by launching her fashion label, Lulu & Co. For its first collection it re-issued iconic dresses from the Fashion East designers’ archives, becoming the must-have on fashion editors’ wishlists.
“Initially it was just a project rather than a long-term thing,” Lulu told Stylist. “But because the first collection’s sales were good, stores asked us what was next, so we just continued. I like the spirit of it plus it’s great to amalgamate the eclectic styles of all the designers. It’s brilliant that it turned into a proper business!”
As well as this season’s dresses, T-shirts and knitwear, from designers like Richard Nicoll and Louise Gray, Lulu has worked with artist friends such as the collaborative duo, Tim Noble and Sue Webster, and fashion photographer Alasdair McLellan. Lulu’s favourite? “The Bella Freud and Susie Bick ‘Till the End’ jumper, as it’s so romantic and slightly dark as well.”
Scroll down for an exclusive first look at some of the pieces from Lulu & Co's lastest collection.
ABOVE: Jumper by Bella Freud and Susie Bick
ABOVE: Dress by Jonathan Saunders
ABOVE: Dice dress by Henry Holland
ABOVE: Dress by Michael Van der Ham
ABOVE: Dress by Louise Gray
Lulu & Co is available from harveynichols.com, liberty.co.uk and selfridges.com.
