Luxembourg may not have a reputation as a fashion hotspot, but a handful of locally based designers are making waves both at home and on the international stage.
Did you know that the head of shoe design at Stella McCartney, Sarah Zigrand, lives and works (for the most part) in Luxembourg? Or that local jewellery designer, Fabienne Belnou, has started selling her unique pieces in South Korea? That the hand-made dresses made by Ezri Kahn, a designer based in the grand duchy, have been worn by Belgian royalty? Or that shoes from Lydia Leu-Sarritzu’s start-up vegan brand were sported on the red carpet in Cannes this year? That Luxembourg is now home to the Zoé Muse brand that has an innovative approach to artistic co-labs?
These are just a few examples of the design talents that Luxembourg has nurtured and attracted over the years. They share a passion for their craft and for giving clients something unique and memorable to wear. Much of the success abroad these designers enjoy has not quite been harnessed in terms of nation branding. But maybe they could also have a broader impact on diversifying the economy, by inspiring a new generation to take up a career in fashion.
But the grand duchy has not yet moved to introduce fashion design courses into its further education. Which surprises Sarah Zigrand. “There are a lot of very creative people in Luxembourg, but they go away [to study] and then come back.” It would make sense to set up some sort of design school in Luxembourg, “because people have money to buy into design,” she argues.
Over in the old town, Fabienne Belnou is taking her own initiative by setting up an academy in her name. It offers individual 4-day courses with master goldsmith Lauro Lichius in creating jewellery (there are different 3 levels), gem setting and engraving using a microscope. “It’s something that doesn’t exist in Luxembourg at all, and people have shown interest.”
Three designers
Over the next three days, Delano catches up with three designers who have a passion for their craft and might inspire the next generation. They each will provide their three trend tips for the season ahead.
Stay tuned for the following in our three-part series on the following dates:
This article first appeared in the September/October print edition of Delano.
