Fashion

Designer of the Day: Larry Leong

The Australian designer behind accessories line LZL on the ideas that inform her pared-down pieces, designing for the modern wearer, and her penchant for Palo Santo sticks.

The Australian designer behind accessories line LZL on the ideas that inform her pared-down pieces, designing for the modern wearer, and her penchant for Palo Santo sticks.

Here, we ask designers to take a selfie and give us an inside look at their lives.

Age: 34

Occupation: Handbag designer and artist

Hometown: Melbourne

Studio location: Melbourne

Describe what you make:  I create wearable design objects inspired by art and creativity. My line, LZL, focuses on handbags—geometric leather pieces with custom metal hardware in bold, vivid colors. Theyre contemporary classics that defy convention, and are crafted as subtle statement pieces for the modern wearer. In the future, I hope to expand into other fashion and design categories.

The most important thing you’ve designed to date: The Pyramid bag! This particular piece has set me apart from everyone else within the accessories industry. But each of our bags are equally important. Theyre the foundation of the overall creative direction of my brand, and support the visual story I want to tell.

The problem your work solves: Peoples lives are filled with constant chaos. I design pieces that are uncomplicated and minimal. I like to think my designs bring out unique shapes in distinct colorways. They are meant to be enduring staples that are not driven by trends, but inform them through a unique point of view.

What you are working on now:  Right now Im wrapping up designs for next season. Im excited to introduce bag straps with a dual purpose: made from a variety of metal chains, they can be worn as a shoulder strap on a bag or on their own as a piece of jewelry.

A new or forthcoming project we should know about: Im partnering with Moda Operandi to host a trunk show later this month.

What you absolutely have to have in your studio: Coffee, chips, Palo Santo sticks, and a good view! Funnily enough I dont need music on when Im working. I find it distracting, as Im constantly wanting to play a new song.

What you do when you’re not working:  Ive started playing around with acrylic ink on paper, a new hobby Ive found to be quite therapeutic. Other than that I can be found hanging out with my dog at the beach, or going on motorbike rides through the beautiful landscapes of Bali.

Sources of creative envy (dead or alive): My sources come from all forms and mediums. A few favorites include Joe Cruz, Simon Davidson, Steven Meisel, Frédéric Forest, Raf Simons, Ren Hang, and India Mahdavi.

The distraction you want to eliminate: Social media and my phone.

Concrete or marble? Polished concrete.

High-rise or townhouse?  Townhouse for sure. Having an outdoor area is a must.

Aliens or ghosts? Neither. They both freak me out!

Remember or forget? Remember, because I always forget.

Dark or light? Light. Im more proactive during the day.

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