Homegirl London pays homage to Lulu and Luca. Leanne Lucas is the fashion and textile designer behind this Mid Century Modern, Art Nouveau and Art Deco inspired brand. After taking a contemporary textiles course she left the world of fashion behind to rediscover her love of surface design. Leanne makes a range of cushions, tea towels and makeup bags bearing bold, bright and beautiful patterns. The Lulu and Luca products will certainly cheer you up and grace your home with cool colours and delightful designs. I caught up with Leanne to find out more.
Linen Cushions
Meet the Lulu and Luca Designer
Leanne Lucas studied fashion design at Northumbria University. She tells me – “It was a great course which gave me the opportunity do work placements with Vivienne Westwood and Bellville Sassoon. After graduating in 2003 Leanne lived and worked as a designer in London. In 2011 she left the fashion world behind to concentrate on her collection of hand printed accessories and soft furnishings. Leanne tells me – “I’d always loved textiles at University but specialised more in garment construction. After taking a Contemporary Textiles course at Saint Martins it brought back the love of surface design and screen printing.”
Leanne Lucas (photograph by Dave Parker)
The name for the business is a combination of Leanne’s nick name – Lulu and her married name – Lucas. She’s just moved into a new studio space which overlooks the Thames Barrier. Leanne says – “It’s very peaceful here which I like and quite a contrast the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s quite industrial and barren but because it’s on the river there is a huge amount of open space and sky which I find exhilarating and refreshing.”
Lulu and Luca Collections
Leanne tells me about her designs – “Mid century modern textiles inspire me – the geometric shapes, botanical forms and bright colours. I greatly admire Charles Voysey – he’s one of the pioneers of modern architecture and one of the finest Arts and Crafts designers. I love his textiles which are so simple yet ooze elegance. His repeat patterns stylised with flora and fauna are just beautiful.”
Linen Cushions
Her work also reflects a style which draws upon the beauty of decorative arts from the Art Nouveau to Art Deco. Leanne tells me – “This period influences my work, especially the patterns, shapes and style of this era. I also like to use newer, fresher colours which I introduce to give my designs an edge and point of difference. Whether it’s within the print, a zip tape, a lining or as small as a stitch detail there’s a colourful contrast somewhere.”
Cotton Tea Towels
Leanne has created three collections. Art Deco Rose: This design was inspired by a collection of art deco floral and geometric vintage prints. In this collection you’ll find cushions in navy, mint and coral. These are silkscreen printed by hand onto natural oatmeal coloured linen with a plain back. It comes with a feather cushion pad and the size is 43x43cm. Tea towels come in navy, red and lime with the design hand printed onto 100% unbleached cotton. There’s also a navy makeup bag made from natural linen with a cotton lining.
Art Deco Rose Design
Peacock Flower: This design has been inspired by print and patterns from the art nouveau and art deco eras. The collection includes cushions in mustard with grey and blue. Tea towels come in navy, red and lime. The makeup bag is in navy and turquoise.
Peacock Flower Design
Bicycle: A fun print of bicycles taken from a vintage print Leanne found. This design is available on tea towels in red and navy.
Bicycle Design
All of Leanne’s products are made in the UK, she tells me – “Celebrating and promoting British manufacturing is something I would like to keep at the core of my business.”
Buy Lulu and Luca Products
To find out more about Leanne and to buy the products visit her website at www.luluandluca.com. Cushions cost £55, Tea Towels £11 and Makeup Bags are £24.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs Lulu and Luca and picture of Leanne by Dave Parker. Thanks: Leanne Lucas.
