Lenny Leleu’s Debut at New York Fashion Week

By Emma Meres / September 13th, 2011 in Fashion / New York / 527 views

A graduate of the prestigious Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, swimwear designer Lenny Leleu possesses an element of the visionary creativity of her infamous seniors, the Antwerp Six. With a role call of enviable graduates—from Dries van Noten to Martin Margiela—the Academy’s alumni are renowned for their radical conception of “fashion” during the 80s.

Leleu’s knack for unconventional and experimental shapes and materials evolved from swimwear to a full summer collection—sunglasses included—for the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week show today.

“The Lenny Leleu girl is graceful and feminine, but also has this rock’n'roll and creative side to her. She’s confident, eager and keen to distinguish herself from the masses,” Leleu told us before the show. “The sunglasses are the differentiator. They’re also a really nice accessory to work with and to design around. Plus, I’m only designing summer collections for now so it makes sense to create sunglasses that give the collection that little extra attitude.”

Leleu worked alongside key American designers Daryl K and Jeremy Scott after graduating, allowing her to experience the best of east and west coast living. But it was Jeremy that inspired Leleu to launch her own line.

“We discussed every step, every stitch with him, we were really part of Team Jeremy,” said Leleu. “He showed me that I wasn’t naive in thinking that I can start up my own label if I’m really passionate about it. So when I got home I worked on my next collection and now, a few years later, I’m showing for the first time at NYFW.”
Aside from working in Los Angeles and New York and studying in Antwerp, Leleu grew up in the country side of Germany—a clear influence on her unusual style.

“I’ve been exposed to a lot of different cultures and dress codes and this is exactly what defines my style,” said Leleu. “I like to start with a theme based off of a subculture, play with what I see on the street, then re-invent this with an element of couture and glamour”.