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| Lulu Kennedy MBE by Paul Wetherell |
Brick Lane wouldn’t be the same without its very own Fairy Godmother.
The talent scout extraordinaire, Lulu Kennedy sprinkled her fairy dust on the Old Truman Brewery
derelict buildings as much as she does on her emerging fashion designers.
The redeveloped Old Truman Brewery was born with two special projects; Free Range Shows
to platform
Art and Design graduates and Fashion East, a non-profit initiative set up by Lulu in 2000 to support
and nurture emerging young fashion talent.
Now in its 13th year, Fashion East still helps new designers by giving them the opportunity to present a catwalk show during London Fashion Week, and present collections at Paris Fashion Week. The designers are also given mentoring, guidance and in-house PR throughout the season by Lulu and her team.
Lulu was the one to give some of the now top UK fashion designers their first break as Jonathan Saunders, Richard Nicoll, Gareth Pugh, Marios Schwab, Roksanda Ilincic, Louise Gray, Henry Holland, Michael van der Ham and Holly Fulton.
As a founding member of the Old Truman Brewery, director of Fashion East & MAN, with her own clothing label Lulu & Co. and an MBE awarded in the Queen's Honours list last year! We asked Lulu Kennedy to shine some light and tell us about when it all started, when it was new and edgy by default, what has transformed and what will never change.
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| House of Holland AW07 at Fashion East |
When did you join the Old Truman Brewery?
September 1996 – a long while ago! |
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What trends do you recall from that time?
I had short bleached white hair and wore a lot of black! |
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Can you tell us about your part in the Old Truman Brewery first steps of renewal?
I helped the owners rent out the offices for a few years, then I moved onto renting out the bigger warehouses for events – mainly art, music, design and fashion events. |
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What has changed the most around the Truman site? What would you say stayed the same?
In a way it's stayed the same – its true to its roots and is still a work in progress, with the ability to experiment – which I love. But on the other hand of course it has changed lots, it is so crazy busy now. In the early days it was quiet and everyone knew everyone on first name terms and drank in the pub together. |
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How have you been influenced by the area and the environment here at the brewery?
Once I found Trumans I felt really inspired, like I had found my favourite little corner of London to settle in and do creative projects. Ive never once moved away from the area - I love living, working and socialising all within this neighbourhood. |
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| Meadham Kirchhoff SS13 at Fashion East Mens Installations - Photo by Rebecca Thomas |
You're often described as Fashion’s Fairy Godmother - what influenced you to focus on helping young fashion designers succeed?
The designers themselves are what inspired me to help them. They have talent that deserves nurturing. Trumans were always very encouraging to the designers and me – without them there would be no Fashion East. They are the true magicians and fairies going on behind the scenes. |
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What's been the biggest highlight in Fashion East’s history for you personally?
Changing people’s perception of new talent and how vital it is to support it. I find that the most rewarding. |
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Last year you supported Truman's Sister Special Project 'Free Range'. Have you managed to get down to the Free Range Fashion Week - what do you think?
I always go for a look around, I enjoy the atmosphere, it's very creative. Most of all I like the graphics, fine art and textiles shows. |
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| Ryan LO SS13 at Fashion East backstage - Photo by Harry Carr |
You were granted the MBE last year, we were sad to see the Queen didn't wear her tiara too! - Queen aside, who have you been most excited to meet?
Meeting the Queen was surreal! Over the years it's been fun to meet famous people like Joan Collins, Isabella Blow, Victoria Beckham, but to be honest I always like meeting young creatives more than celebrities. |
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What's your Favourite decade for Fashion?
The 1990s. I wore Helmut Lang and Margiela with Doc Martens and had black hair. I think I suited that look best. |
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Who’s your fashion icon?
Grace Jones. She was so ahead of her time and fierce. |
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Who do you predict to be the next big thing in the fashion world?
Ashley Williams |
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| Ashley Williams AW13 at Fashion East backstage - Photo by Masha Mel |
Brick Lane and Shoreditch are often described as being at the forefront of the unique London fashion scene - would you agree?
Yes I completely agree. The East End’s street scene always inspires how people dress and starts trends. Head designers at huge luxury brands show looks on the runway directly inspired by clubs in Dalston. |
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You’ve set up our own clothing brand Lulu & Co. What can you tell us about the project?
It started out as a celebratory project to mark Fashion East’s 10th birthday – we reissued 10 killer dresses from the archives of 10 top designers that came through the project – Jonathan Saunders, Gareth Pugh, Roksanda Ilincic, House of Holland etc. Since then we have changed it into a contemporary brand that has new rather than archive designs. We have guest collaborators each season – artists, fashion photographers and illustrators. |
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We have a lot of new designers with studios on site, and even more in the markets - what advice would you give to people just starting out a life in the Fashion World?
Work for other brands before you launch your own, so that you have a better idea of what to expect. Being as prepared as you can, and putting together a team of dedicated hard workers will also really help. |
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| Kit Neale SS14 at Fashion East Mens Installations - Photo by Lorenzo Dalbosco |
The 6 Designers chosen by Fashion East every season all receive a chance of a lifetime! What do you look for the most in a starting designer?
What makes a fashion portfolio stand out from the crowd?
Its hard to put my finger on what makes the winning portfolios stand out….they obviously tend to have strong aesthetic visual skills as well as a developed sense of their own identity, they tend to be quite clear and concise, so it becomes easy to see the character of the designer. |
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So you're Director of Fashion East, Lulu & Co and Editor of LOVE MAGAZINE - What's next in the wonderful world of Lulu Kennedy?
I wouldn’t mind a holiday!!! |
And we hope there's one just around the corner!
Thank you Lulu x
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Follow Lulu on twitter _lulukennedy
Fashion East Website fashioneast.co.uk
Lulu & Co. Label luluandco.co.uk
Check out who else is part of the Truman Hub
Truman Brewery Directory
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