Leonard: Georg Lux debuts with English country garden

By

Godfrey Deeny

Published
Jan 19, 2021

Barely one week after his arrival at Leonard was announced, Georg Lux, the house’s new designer, tipped his creative hat with a fall 2021 pre-collection whose inspiration began with an English country garden and extended into Notting Hill haute bohemian London.

“I adore England, and this sensibility feels just right for Leonard and the current mood,” explained Lux, a Berliner who first came to Paris a  decade ago to study at the famed Chambre Syndicale fashion college, generally regarded as the world’s best school for pattern cutting and couture technique.
 
Lux’s mood board defined his aesthetic, with images of Princess Diana in floral print cardigans; Cecile Beacon in repose; and Charlotte Rampling vamping it in black and white - all the way to Biba department store, which inspired a smart new take on the Leonard logo. Seen in gold buttons and even a few logo cashmere knits and suits.

What worked best in his first bat were the new silk seersucker floral dresses with contrast sleeves, in a slick color blocking theme; printed cashmere cardigans in innocent florals and leopard print silk party frocks.
 
Lux’s appointment was made official this month, but he clearly has been busy in the archives since fall 2020. His deep dive into the DNA was apparent in the clever revamping of historic Leonard prints.

“It’s been a joy to delve into the archives. This house has such a great visual memory. You can find so many amazing prints, and then of course we rework and reimagine each of them to create something new each season,” added Lux, who lives across the Champs-Elysées from Leonard’s historic headquarters on rue Jean Giraudoux in the 8th arrondissement.
 
For chillier moments, Lux dreamt up natty new wool twill blazers with big cat print lining; and reversible down coats – one side  high-color leopard print, the other a dramatic print with orchids and roses.