When I told Lulu Kennedy that we could go absolutely anywhere in London she wanted for our interview, she e-mailed straight back, "Go-karting!" Not only had I not driven a car in three years, but Lulu (on paper) would be intimidating at the best of times. So I'm not going to lie, I was terrified.
Lulu is the founder of Fashion East, the London-based non-profit that has introduced and supported every designer from the now established British new guard—Kim Jones, Gareth Pugh, Jonathan "J.W." Anderson—to a younger generation including Marques'Almeida, Simone Rocha, and Shaun Samson. For over ten years she has helped shape the course of British fashion, building a support system for young designers and a community that has cemented London's reputation as the home of emerging talent. Before hitting the track, Lulu told me about her favorite places in London, all things Fashion East, and her obsession with cars—and then she beat me in a race.
Alice Newell-Hanson: Do you go go-karting often? I was kind of worried you would turn up in personalized leathers...
Lulu Kennedy: I do a bit, yeah! I love going to see my friend [fashion photographer] Simon Harris at his dad’s go-kart track, Revolution Karts (it's a great name, isn't it?) in Mile End. I love hanging out with the team, especially Rex the crazy dog, forgetting all about work, and just racing around. It’s how I relax. I like anything to do with cars and trucks.
Do you drive in London?
Yeah, I’ve got a really old Jeep Wrangler. It’s really tanked-out; it's got blacked-out windows and massive alloys!
Where do you live in London? What are some of your favorite neighborhood places?
I live in Bethnal Green. In the monrnings, I get my coffee at Rough Trade, it's an amazing record store near work on Brick Lane. For lunch, maybe I’ll go to Rochelle Canteen. And in the evening, I’ll usually eat at Bistrotheque. On weekends, I might hang out at Columbia Road—I love the Flower Market.
How long has Fashion East been on Brick Lane?
We started in 2000.
What was the area like in 2000?
I actually started working for the Old Truman Brewery [the arts complex where Fashion East is located] in 1996—it's been the longest job ever! It was like a ghost land then, you wouldn’t believe the difference. It was so, so quiet. There were just a few dodgy bars and a bagel shop.
For those who don't know what Fashion East does, how would you sum up its mission statement?
It’s a non-profit project that scouts and selects designers. We then sponsor them and feature them a group showcase. It’s a bit like how new bands are showcased in the music industry. We help them with their first collection, until they become more stable. We’re like a kindergarten.
What is the process for selecting a new designer?
We go to the London college shows. And people are approaching us constantly, which takes out some of the legwork! I’ve got a panel of experts, made up of stylists and journalists, who help me. Every season we debate who would be good in the line-up. So it’s a group decision.
How many designers do you take on every season?
Six in total: three
Lulu is the founder of Fashion East, the London-based non-profit that has introduced and supported every designer from the now established British new guard—Kim Jones, Gareth Pugh, Jonathan "J.W." Anderson—to a younger generation including Marques'Almeida, Simone Rocha, and Shaun Samson. For over ten years she has helped shape the course of British fashion, building a support system for young designers and a community that has cemented London's reputation as the home of emerging talent. Before hitting the track, Lulu told me about her favorite places in London, all things Fashion East, and her obsession with cars—and then she beat me in a race.
Alice Newell-Hanson: Do you go go-karting often? I was kind of worried you would turn up in personalized leathers...
Lulu Kennedy: I do a bit, yeah! I love going to see my friend [fashion photographer] Simon Harris at his dad’s go-kart track, Revolution Karts (it's a great name, isn't it?) in Mile End. I love hanging out with the team, especially Rex the crazy dog, forgetting all about work, and just racing around. It’s how I relax. I like anything to do with cars and trucks.
Do you drive in London?
Yeah, I’ve got a really old Jeep Wrangler. It’s really tanked-out; it's got blacked-out windows and massive alloys!
Where do you live in London? What are some of your favorite neighborhood places?
I live in Bethnal Green. In the monrnings, I get my coffee at Rough Trade, it's an amazing record store near work on Brick Lane. For lunch, maybe I’ll go to Rochelle Canteen. And in the evening, I’ll usually eat at Bistrotheque. On weekends, I might hang out at Columbia Road—I love the Flower Market.
How long has Fashion East been on Brick Lane?
We started in 2000.
What was the area like in 2000?
I actually started working for the Old Truman Brewery [the arts complex where Fashion East is located] in 1996—it's been the longest job ever! It was like a ghost land then, you wouldn’t believe the difference. It was so, so quiet. There were just a few dodgy bars and a bagel shop.
For those who don't know what Fashion East does, how would you sum up its mission statement?
It’s a non-profit project that scouts and selects designers. We then sponsor them and feature them a group showcase. It’s a bit like how new bands are showcased in the music industry. We help them with their first collection, until they become more stable. We’re like a kindergarten.
What is the process for selecting a new designer?
We go to the London college shows. And people are approaching us constantly, which takes out some of the legwork! I’ve got a panel of experts, made up of stylists and journalists, who help me. Every season we debate who would be good in the line-up. So it’s a group decision.
How many designers do you take on every season?
Six in total: three