Lucy Folk
Lucy Folk has been creative for as long as she can remember. Growing up, creativity was nurtured and encouraged by her family. Today, Lucy has channeled those years of creativity into her business. What started out as a small one woman show has blossomed into a full-fledged business which now includes eyewear, apparel, accessories and jewellery.
You’ve lived in Paris for the past decade. How does the city inspire your creative work?
I live between Paris, Melbourne and Sydney. All cities inspire my work differently. Paris ignites my creativity through the history, architecture and art. I find I have the space in nature to think of new ideas more freely in Australia when I am beside the ocean.
Tell us about life in Paris, what does a regular day look like for you?
I wake up around 8AM. Work with Australia for a couple of hours. Do emails, then I have yoga for an hour, which I adore. I will either continue to work from home or go out to a show or for lunch. I will either cook at home at night or go out. I try to stay home for 3-4 nights a week.
What was the best piece of business advice you were given when starting out?
To go for it! You only live once and what is the worst that can happen.
What is your no-fail go-to when you need inspiration or to get out of a creative rut?
I will go to a gallery, look in a bookstore and take in an exhibition.
What are the fundamentals of good design?
Original timeless design that is focused on fine details.
Knowing what you now know, what would you have done differently when first starting out?
Nothing really. I think it’s important to do know how to do everything in the business from the start. Then as time goes by you can employ people and begin to delegate.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I found a letter I wrote to my parents when I was very young and it said I want to be a dancer like Kylie Minogue. So, there you go!
Have you always been creative?
Yes. We were the kids at the restaurant with our crayons doing doodles on the table cloths. I come from a creative family.
Something about you which might surprise us?
I never wear black!
What’s something you couldn’t live without?
The beach. Its rejuvenating. It’s refreshing. Its natural and I am Australian!
What has been your greatest accomplishment so far?
Opening PLAYA was a turning point for the brand. I want to continue to roll out Lucy Folk apparel in unique environments.
Name the biggest overall lesson you’ve learned in running a business?
To be patient. Take risks. Trust your gut instinct.
Where can we find you when you’re not designing?
This summer you will find me at the beach in Formentera. If I am not designing I am doing the buying for the stores and thinking about collaborations, shoots, the list goes on! Work barely stops. Neither do I but I am learning to slow down and be more present.
“Be patient. Take risks. Trust your gut instinct. ”
What does design mean to you?
To create something original using your experiences to draw upon.
How have your designs evolved throughout the years?
I was only interested in food jewellery when I started but its evolved into becoming more about my lifestyle, travel, the places I have visited. It’s a journey!
What do you miss most about Australia when you’re away?
My family and the landscape. Clean air!
What does the future hold?
We are looking to open a more stores and keep focusing and refining what we do. Nobody is perfect!
