Inside Luxe Rebel Leather Co: From Concept to Cult Favourite

Luxe Rebel Leather Co feels both strong and refined. How does that balance reflect you as a founder? The balance between strength and refinement reflects my own personality as a founder. I’ve always been a bit of a rebel and a rock ’n’ roller at heart, but with an understated sense of elegance. That contrast naturally feeds into the brand, rebellious, but never loud for the sake of it. There’s also an underlying balance of strength and resilience that comes from running a business. Building something independently takes grit, adaptability, and belief, and that energy is very much part of Luxe Rebel Leather Co. The brand has always been about offering something different, pieces that give people the confidence to express who they are. That ethos has run through my designs for years. I want people who resonate with the brand to feel that connection on a personal level, strong, refined, and true to themselves. Ultimately, it’s about creating a community of luxe rebels who feel empowered to wear what they want and be who they want to be.

What first drew you to leather as a material? Was it the look, the durability, or the process of working with it by hand? What first drew me to leather was its versatility and the creative freedom it offers. As a material, it’s incredible to work with; you can mould it, sculpt it, cut it, paint it, dye it, mend it, and even drape thinner leathers. It holds its shape beautifully, and no matter what form you work it into, it feels timeless. From a sustainability perspective, leather’s longevity is a huge draw. When properly cared for, it can last for years, resulting in garments and accessories that aren’t disposable. As long as you research the origin of the leather and consider the ethical implications of sourcing, it can be a responsible and sustainable material choice.

Making is central to everything you do. What part of the creation process still excites you the most? What excites me most is knowing that every piece I create is unique to the person it’s made for. There’s something incredibly rewarding about imagining how it will make them feel confident, excited, and empowered when they wear it. I also love that Leathercraft offers endless avenues to explore. There’s always something new to learn, new techniques to develop, and new ways to work with the material. That constant evolution keeps the process fresh and inspiring, and it’s a big part of what keeps me passionate about making.

Your pieces are designed to last and evolve over time. How do you think about longevity when you’re designing something new? When I’m designing something new, longevity is always at the forefront, both creatively and practically. From a construction point of view, I’m thinking about how a piece will hold its shape, stay intact, and continue to be worn over time. That influences everything from the structure to the techniques I use. Material choice is just as important. I consider which leathers will work best for the design, not only aesthetically but in terms of durability and how they’ll age. I also believe longevity doesn’t stop once the piece leaves my hands, so making sure clients know how to care for their leather is essential. With the right care, each piece can truly stand the test of time and evolve with the person wearing it.

As a founder who works closely with the making process, how hands-on are you day-to-day? When I have a lot of custom orders on the go, I’m very hands-on day-to-day, as I’m solely responsible for making each piece. I also try to keep a balance between working in the business, making the pieces and on the business, managing everything behind the scenes so things stay on top of. That said, making is often the most fun part, so sometimes it takes over anyway!

Fashion often moves quickly, but your work is rooted in slow, intentional creation. Why was that important for you to commit to? Committing to slow, intentional creation has always been important to me because fast fashion can feel so controlling, with trends dictating what people wear; there’s little room for self-expression. I want to challenge that. I want my clients to enjoy what they wear and bring their personality into every piece, so it truly feels like them. When you put one of my pieces on, I want you to instantly feel good about yourself and ready to take on the day. It’s about allowing people to be themselves, have fun, experiment, and reconnect with that playful, youthful side of themselves. I think we get so bogged down as adults that we forget about our inner child, and fashion is such a powerful way to bring that back.

Custom and bespoke play a big role in the brand. What do you enjoy most about creating something specifically for one person? What I love most about creating custom pieces is the connection it creates with each client. Hearing about their personal style, what inspires them, and what they want to express through a piece is incredibly inspiring. Every project becomes a conversation and a collaboration, and the result is something truly unique that reflects who they are. That sense of bringing someone’s personality to life through leather, something they’ll wear and feel confident in, is what makes every piece so exciting and rewarding.

Has your relationship with fashion changed since becoming a maker rather than just a designer or founder? My relationship with fashion has definitely evolved since becoming a maker. I still love seeing designers’ collections and fashion weeks, but I’m less drawn to the constant churn of new pieces each season. It creates pressure for people to keep up, and the same fast-paced mentality trickles down to the high street. There’s little incentive to invest in something truly special and cherish it over time. For myself, I tend to shop less. When I do, I either make pieces myself when I have the time, or I seek out other independents, vintage and second-hand finds. I love hunting on Vinted and similar platforms. It feels more intentional, sustainable, and meaningful, which aligns with the way I approach my own work as a maker.

There’s a sense of individuality in every piece. How do you ensure your own voice remains present while still honouring the wearer? I make sure my own voice is present through the design choices, materials, and techniques that define Luxe Rebel, the rebellious elegance, attention to detail, and the balance of strength and refinement that runs through all my work. At the same time, I listen closely to the wearer: their style, personality, and what they want to express. Each piece becomes a collaboration, where my signature touch meets their individuality. The result is something that feels unmistakably Luxe Rebel, but also unmistakably them.

What has been the most challenging part of building a fashion brand around handmade production? One of the biggest challenges of building a fashion brand around handmade production is pricing. As a creative, so much passion and care goes into each piece, and it can feel overwhelming to put a price on that work. It’s about finding the right balance and deciding where you want to position yourself in the market, while truly believing in your products and having confidence in their value. Early on, I realised I needed a way to sustain the business, which is why I developed my made-to-order side. Custom work is rewarding, but costs can fluctuate, and it’s difficult to rely on it for a steady income when starting out. Having that balance allows me to create pieces I love while keeping the business viable.

When you see someone wearing one of your pieces in the world, what do you hope it says about them, and about you as a brand? I hope it says they’re confident, truly themselves, and unafraid to stand out. I want the piece to feel like an extension of their personality, something that sparks joy and makes them feel powerful in their own skin. At the same time, I hope it reflects Luxe Rebel as a brand, thoughtful, bold, and crafted with care showing that quality, individuality, and intentional design can coexist with rebellion and self-expression.

Looking ahead, how do you want Luxe Rebel Leather Co to evolve as both a fashion label and a reflection of you as its founder? I want Luxe Rebel Leather Co to continue evolving in a way that reflects both the brand and me as its founder. Recently, I’ve been focusing on made-to-order pieces, giving clients something unique while keeping production thoughtful and sustainable. I’ve also just relaunched a reworking service, where people can send their jackets to be remade, repaired, or conditioned, helping their pieces last longer and promoting sustainability in leather. On top of that, I’ve been learning traditional techniques to bring more luxury and heritage into my products, all with a rebellious edge. My goal is to keep pushing the brand creatively while honouring crafts, womanship, quality, and the timeless nature of leather.

Shop: luxerebelleatherco.com