I’m Belgian, so I might be just a tiny bit biased, but after seeing the talented Lenny Leleu get some television airtime in our own little country, I just knew I had to get in touch with her and get all of you up to speed with her amazing work she’s done earlier this year, creating a summer collection titled “I love Costa Brava – ode to masstourism”, her graduation collection at the prestigious Antwerp Fashion School.
“I upgraded the wellknown ugliness of this subculture to a higher level, and made an elegant young womens collection, combining oversized casual clothing (t-shirts, joggings, k-ways) with elements out of the couture world (bustiers, corsets, …). First I had only 2 swimsuits in the collection thinking it was not an interesting garment to work on, but as I discovered the restrictions in shape and volume when designing swimwear I found out it was actually a great challenge for me. I got forced to cross design borders. Entering this ‘new world’ of clothing, I noticed i really enjoyed designing swimsuits, and my collection became a collection counting 19 silhouettes, of which 8 swimsuits.”
Lenny’s work was amongst the favorites of the 6000 people attending the graduation event, and knowing these couture-inspired pieces (most of the suits have cups or bustiers as a base, or lace touches) are all ready to be worn in the ocean, I’m equally positive. Lenny has managed to create a collection that is not over the top, that is not bombastic and eye-catching to a unwearable extend. No, the pieces are all exciting and anything but ordinary, but I would feel very happy wearing them to the beach at the same time. That’s what I call successful designing.
What’s next? Lenny Leleu discovered a passion for swimwear, and her creative mind is already brewing. She told me: “I don’t see the need for a designer to make things someone else has already done. I really think a designer should constantly be looking for innovation, and in the world of swimwear, I think there might still be a lot to discover.”
Photo’s thanks to: Liselotte Habets & Marc Rubenska
This is what I’ve been looking for, swimwear that is new and original! Sadly, most suits are starting to look the same, with variations only in prints, colors, and degrees of modesty. Thanks for the heads up!