London Fashion Week comes to London City Island

A new, Island-born fashion brand was launched in Canning Town this week as Lucretia Sandu’s maiden runway show delivered an enchanting, theatrical performance, featuring exceptional designs, perfect choreography – and even two real life wolves.

Just three years ago, fashion designer and former architect Lucretia Sandu was living in her native Romania – with distant dreams of designing clothes. “I was studying to be an architect,” says 26-year-old Lucretia. “I was drawn to the works of Frank Gehry, I loved his approach and how he told stories through his buildings; I’m a very creative person and knew that design was for me.”

In 2016, a shift in thinking brought Lucretia to London, where she decided to immerse herself in the city’s fashion sector – something which this week culminated in the launch of her self-titled brand.

Her maiden collection – La Loba – was unveiled with a stunning show at Goodluck Hope – with a cast of models and beautiful real wolves, bringing each of her designs to life. Celebrating the “Wolf Woman” – the collection celebrates the new female archetype of women who run with wolves – a literal interpretation of which was staged on the night.

Each of the pieces on the catwalk was created at London City Island, home to Lucretia’s studio since last year; “My move to London was the first step, finding a studio and a home for my brand was always going to be the challenging part.

“All that changed last September when I attended the Unity Arts Festival. I witnessed a unique creative vibe which resonated with me straight away; then I learnt it was an accessible community, allowing artists like me to base ourselves within the the creative triumvirate of Trinity Buoy Wharf, Goodluck Hope and London City Island drew me in. I knew this was my brand’s future home.”

Lucretia quickly secured a workspace in the arebyte studio on the Island; home to artists who would have otherwise been forced out of central London, Ballymore has worked with the operators to offer affordable workspaces for artists of all disciplines – including Lucretia.

“I feel so at home here; I’m surrounded by fascinating creative people – and a beautifully designed creative built environment. Both of those facets inspire me every single day.”

Added Hayleigh O’Farrell, Head of Communications, at Ballymore: “It was wonderful to see the artistic efforts of an Islander celebrated at this show. The brilliant design talent joining our community is helping to realise our longstanding creative vision for this area of London.”