About Lou La Lee
“Think of your favourite item in your wardrobe… is it that tatty, old, fluffy sweater you love to curl up in on a cold winters evening? Or is it your reliable pair of jeans that make you feel proud to have your figure? Is it that glamorous, off the shoulder, sequin dress that makes you feel like a movie star at the Oscars? How is it that these simple items of clothing can make you feel like a whole new person? What you wear projects who you are to the rest of the world, and I admire the way in which each individual express’s themselves through fashion. It is something that each person can connect with. To some, clothes may seem like a bunch of fabric simply sewn together, but to me, each item has the possibility of playing a part in creating the perfect outfit, and this is why I have set up Lou La Lee…”
Hey!
I’m Ruby, the founder of Lou La Lee!
Growing up in a large and busy family, I was a shy and quiet child. I immersed myself in the world of Barbie and Bratz, which is how I discovered that fashion can be a way of expressing myself, and this is where my dream of becoming a fashion designer began. Throughout my childhood, I wasn’t afraid of experimenting with my looks: from riding my bike in my princess dresses and wobbling around in plastic heels, to an all-neon outfit accessorized with matching leg warmers and Converse - I’ve tried it all, with more disasters than successes. I even did a fashion photoshoot in my primary school magazine with my friends (God forbid anyone listened to my advice)!
During my three years at university studying fashion, I was taught all aspects of the industry, and realised I thrived in the design and production of garments. But it also opened my eyes to the negative impact fashion has on the planet, and it became important to me to live a more sustainable life.
After graduating university with a first-class degree, I worked in a couture bridal shop making bespoke wedding dresses using the finest fabrics. However, having thought this would be my dream job, it soon became apparent to me that the excessive waste and extravagance, all for one dress, no longer aligned with my values.
This brings you up to date with where I am now: working at a sustainable fashion and lifestyle shop, co-founded by a like-minded designer. Experiencing the world of upcycled and preloved fashion enhanced my passion for sustainable fashion, and gave me the confidence I needed to start something of my own.
Lou La Lee is a slow-fashion womenswear label that focuses on sustainability. I handpick good quality, second-hand clothing that would otherwise go to landfill, and upcycle them from their outdated styles into new designs. Each handmade item is completely unique as every design, named after my favourite flowers, is made from a different preloved garment. This means that no two items will ever be exactly the same.
With sustainability at the heart of Lou La Lee, I operate a zero-waste rule within production; this means that all the scraps, buttons, and trims from the upcycling of each garment are kept to be used elsewhere. I also wanted to make sure that Lou La Lee is a plastic free brand, which is why I send each order in 100% recycled paper bags, plus use biodegradable tissue paper and stickers to wrap each item.
I hope you enjoy wearing my designs as much as I’ve loved making them for you!
With love,
Ruby