FASHION: lu by lu
Intro Introducing Louie Akinwale, boy wonder. This creative has a lot of projects underway as a Model, Menswear Editor and accessories designer of Lu By Lu. This week he launches his collaborative project with Kickers, the staple shoe in the playground! It shaped school culture and for some kids it brought togetherness part of a unwritten cult that is still tradition today, we discuss this collaboration, plus what else Louie has been up to and has coming up!
Interview by SOPHIE EMMETT
Above: Lu By Lu Creative Director Louie Akinwale
Hi Louie, how are you today?
Hi Tirade, I am Great! happy to be here thanks for having me!
So your career started working as a model, now you’re moving into design, what made you take an interest in accessories?
Growing up I always had fascination for florescent shapes and lights. every time I would have a bag on me I was obsessed with my Disney bum bag and Nike Just Do it backpack. My mother was a designer I used to see her creating . I guess its been installed probably why I grew fondly of design. I feel like accessories allows me to express how I am feeling either through colour and shape. It provides an opportunity to create and will always be a necessity. Im all for long lasting and I think people hold on to bags so I hope to create sustainable luxury for future wear.
Your bags are being hand-made in Nigeria, why was it important to have your pieces made there?
Everything starts from the roots I am from Nigeria . I want to give back and showcase the talent of Lagos. In a western society when you visit high street shops all we we see European Productions or items made in China. I want to showcase Nigeria in a luxury space and to bring pound sterling back to the motherland.
What is it about Lagos that you want your designs to showcase?
Lagos is among the top ten of the world's fastest-growing cities and urban areas. The vibrancy of Nigeria is unmatched a place where the unconventional is the norm. I want the designs to tell story that is bold outspoken and most of all authentic to my cultural identity . Each design shows the craftsmanship of Africa for centuries beads were closely linked to royalty . I hope to showcase the high spirit of Africa and share my culture to a western world.
Above: AW21 campaign Lu By Lu x Kickers
Your newest series is titled the spirit of Shakara, can you share more about this concept with us?
I love my culture, I love my roots, all my influences shows homage to Nigeria. My recent collection titled ‘Shakara' took inspiration from Fela Kuti. Fela pioneered Afrobeat and his music and outspokenness provided a voice of reasoning for the people of Nigeria to ‘Shakara' means to show pride . The core of this collection champions cultural patterns, unconventional designs and distinctive silhouettes all made in Lagos NIGERIA.
So far its colourful beaded bags, but will you be venturing out into other things?
To be honest I'm exploring different avenues would love to build installations and do more than just bags I'm currently looking in Homeware and would love to create a collectivism and build a concept space for the community.
What made you want to work with a British heritage brand such as Kickers for your latest collaboration?
Collaborating with kickers was only right "see your age mates" it's a Nigerian phrase” Look at what your peers are doing”. I wanted to bring something playful and tell a story of what me and my friends were up to in our kickers in the life of school. The only thing that was relevant was your friends and school environment and the kicks you were wearing I wanted to bring nostalgia in London because the shoe brought togetherness. I feel like kickers is not for everyone but is for everybody and lu by lu sits long sides this view 💙
This week you will be collaborating with Adidas for BLM, who else would be a dream partnership for Lu.By.Lu? Can you share a funny story from your modelling days?
Yes so we are exhibiting at Adidas on oxford street . some of the designs will be displayed in store and throughout the day there will be workshops for young creatives to customise they’re own shoes here in London.
It would be my dream to collaborate JACQUMEUS or do an installation with Soho House or a museum like the TATE. I really want to do partnerships that incorporate the contemporary lifestyle for the community.
I once had a show for Napapriji in Florence it was my first time debuting and I had to wear an oversized ski suit. so I have a small waist and they had to pin some shorts to the garment. I was super excited for the show walked on to the runway as normal then mid way i felt my shorts falling I couldn’t see if it was or not just after I had my picture taken my shorts fell down to my ankles on the catwalk lmao I was mortified [hahaaha] but still made it fashion of course.
You are also working as menswear editor for Not Just Another Store here in London, how did that role come about?
I modelled for the company a year ago and took a lot of enthusiasm The store/ space offers a personal shopping experience a lot different to other retailers. NOT JUST ANOTHER STORE IS built on collaboration but offers a space that injects a conceptual lifestyle to its audience.
I think starting lu by lu allowed me to demonstrate my eye in production to art direction. The role presented itself. Now as a menswear editor I focus on menswear curation for social campaign across digital platform channels .
Joel the founder of NJAS is a mentor to me and the store helps me develop from a business stand point he is someone I truly respect its an honour to even be in that environment.
What do you think will be a big menswear look for 2022?
Menswear is becoming super contemporary more men are adopting accessories like handbags. bright neon colours are now being more embraced with fluidity tailoring
Describe Lu by Lu in 3 words?
Bold, Unapologetic, Striking.