Due to the widespread accesibiltiy of social media as a marketing tool, a new generation of independant fashion designers have appeared. Their brands, represented by instagram pages, seem to multiply daily following a common theme of DIY construction. Despite the volume, one designer stands high above the rest. Her name is Julie and she created Lefthandla, the original DIY brand that has influenced them all. Achieving notoriety only a few years after Instagram launched, she has a lot of insight and an amazing story to tell. Enjoy:)
So can you start by telling me your background? How you got into fashion? Where did you learn to construct/sew clothing? Did you ever go to school for it? Was this always a passion?
I’ve always been obsessed with clothes, mostly vintage but I was a huge gap kids fan in elementary school. My mom was afraid I was gonna develop a shopping addiction so she taught me how to make my own clothes. I started thrifting in 9th grade and that’s when everything changed, I was able to rework inexpensive pieces and get inspired by the different decades and sillouettes. I took sewing clothes with a bunch of grammas after school and eventually started teaching sewing camps myself. I went to college in London for fashion, then did one year at Savannah college of art and design but College wasn’t for me. I’ve known I wanted to do this since I was 6 or 7 and I haven’t stopped since, nothing makes me happier than creating something out of nothing. Clothes make me feel good, I can express myself without having to say anything and I know others can relate to that as well.
What void were you trying to fill in woman’s fashion when you created left hand? Who is the lefthand girl? Where does the name lefthand come from and how does it embody the ethos of your brand?
I’m left handed, and wanted to go by that name as a persona then it just stuck. I was one of the first DIY brands that now started a huge epidemic, I just made clothes that I would wear and everyone was into it. I love the 1/1 aspect bc then nothing gets boring. The left hand girl is daring and not afraid to stand out, she’s kinda tomboy but very sexy and confident.
Lefthand definitely has a very punk ethos and rebels against the way women are commonly portrayed in the high fashion industry. Have you seen progression in the industry in terms of gender stereotypes and how would you like the future of woman’s fashion to look?
I don’t care what anyone says, women are the most powerful creatures on the planet and we deserve to wear whatever we want. All women are beautiful every shape and size. I believe in the future men will feel comfortable in women’s clothing and vice versa which is so fucking cool, we’re already getting there. I can’t wait till straight men feel comfy covering up zits with concealer.
What is DIY fashion?
DIY fashion is the ability to make money from home, save the planet, and express yourself in existing goods. There are no rules, I’ve seen some CRAAAAZY diy brands pop up lately and I love it.
Lefthand is one of the first labels to pioneer the DIY aesthetic on social media however in 2020 there are so many brands on Instagram that run with this concept, how do you continue to have a unique brand identity amongst a lot of copycats(for lack of a better term)
I love inspiring people! And I’m happy I started left hand when I did, I’ve always been a role model and a leader my entire life, but this is on a totally other level. I think some small brands are getting more recognition that me currently which is fine, I’m content being the OG.
What’s the coolest opportunity/event that’s happened to you along your journey in fashion?
Crocs! We made a fucking Croc! And of course Rihanna and Beyoncé wearing left hand made me like practically pee myself with excitement.
How do you feel social media both serves and hinders creative expression and the fashion industry?
I owe Instagram my life! Literally, my whole life. I’m not a big fan of the fake flexing but at the same time it’s 2020 and we can make money in so many ways, so I can’t knock anyone’s hustle.
What are some other interests of yours besides fashion? Put me on to some good music n shit.
I love being outside, especially in LA. I do spend most of my time working but when I have free time I love to thrift or go to flea markets, not even to buy stuff but literally to just stare at vintage clothes in appreciation. I watch a lot of bad reality tv and dancing is probably my 3rd favorite thing after left hand and vintage clothes.
Coco and Clair Clair and Hook are my two favorite female artists. Tommy Genesis is and will forever be my main lady. Big kilt is cool too, I like her energy. I’m really into female artists mostly.
What are your future plans for Lefthand?
I have no idea!!! Sometimes I’m scared of the future but I just keep going. I want to continue reworking pieces and coming up with new concepts, I’d love to rebrand everything somehow and come back with a bang but we’ll see!
