THIS FASHION LIFE LUKE ROPER
The co-founder of Luke tells Suzanne Bearne how he can trace the young fashion brand’s roots back to a caravan in Norfolk
How did you get into fashion? I’ve have been making clothes since I was 12 – that’s when I made my fi rst shirt. My mum was a wedding dress maker so there was always a sewing machine around and I realised I had the skill and drive to make clothes. There is an industry rumour that you’re related to Luke co-founder Simon Poole. Can you set the record straight? That’s a bit of an urban myth. Simon’s mum and my mum have been close friends since the 1960s. My family and Simon’s family would holiday together in the caravans they owned in Norfolk in the 1970s, so we became closely entwined as families. How did your relationship evolve into being business partners? When I was studying at Central Saint Martins College, Simon was [head of menswear sales] at French Connection, so we hooked up regularly in London. I had design knowledge but I didn’t have industry knowledge so I got my fi rst job in fashion with River Island as a junior designer for shirts and denim. The plan was to get two years experience and start the business. I did four months at River Island and then left, and we started the business in May 2001 with three printed T-shirts. We always had the belief we would have our own label. What’s the best-selling piece you’ve produced and which item are you most proud of? We are strong in so many areas. In the early days we just sold shirts. Now I think it’s evenly spread, and footwear has done well for us over the past six months. I’m most proud of the collection I’m working on now. Like pop music, you’re only as good as your last collection. If you produce an average product you will lose your customer. I always want to improve it and make it better. What’s the ethos behind the Luke brand? I’m absolutely driven to produce the best menswear in the
80 Drapers December 3 2010
Find your next fashion life. Visit Drapers Appointments section from p68
Quickfi re questions
k Who is your favourite catwalk designer? I would have to say Martin Margiela. The brand offers a clear design direction.
market. That’s what gets me out of bed in the morning and makes me stay up late at night. Where do you see the brand in fi ve years? I want us to keep going down the same path with tight distribution and growing our relationship with all our independent stockists. We’re an independently owned company and we back indies, which are the lifeblood of the industry. Who do you respect in the industry and why? I really respect and understand what Jason Denham [founder of premium Dutch denim brand Denham] is doing. I like the aesthetic, the branding, the concept and the attention to detail. Where do you think the market is heading in terms of trends? Luke was historically for daywear, but now we have Limited Edition for the evening and also have Luke jeans. You could say it’s going smarter but people aren’t dressing smart during the day – it’s mostly casual.
Luke Roper is creative director and co-founder of young fashion brand Luke, which won the Young Fashion Brand Award at the Drapers Awards 2010 last month
l What was the last item you bought? A pair of red NDC fur-lined moccasin boots from Lane Crawford in Hong Kong.
j What music do you like to listen to? It’s a mix, but I like bands such as Kasabian and Oasis.
k How do you like to relax? Of course I like to relax with the wife on holiday, but I love fishing (pictured) in France.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84