The Creative Vision of Leona Erziak: Blending Haute Couture with Ready-to-Wear
Leona Erziak Prepares to Launch Her Highly Anticipated Ready-to-Wear Collection
Leona Erziak, the dynamic creative director of Lena Erziak Haute Couture House, is preparing to unveil her latest masterpiece: a Ready-to-Wear collection that promises to blend the elegance of couture with the accessibility of everyday fashion. This exciting new venture is a natural evolution for Leona, who has been at the forefront of fashion innovation, consistently pushing boundaries with her unique vision and meticulous craftsmanship.
Leona’s journey in fashion began at an early age, inspired by her mother’s extraordinary talent for transforming fabrics into art. This early exposure to the world of fashion ignited a lifelong passion, driving Leona and her sister to create pieces that are as powerful as they are beautiful. Over the years, Lena Erziak has evolved from crafting elegant bags to designing shoes and, most recently, couture garments that have graced the global stage.
As she prepares for the launch of her Ready-to-Wear collection, Leona reflects on her journey, sharing insights into her creative process, her views on fashion and style, and her aspirations for the future. In an exclusive interview, she delves into the heart of her brand, revealing the philosophy that guides her work and the vision that continues to inspire her.
Interview with Leona Erziak
1. What initially sparked your interest in fashion? And what made you go into fashion design?
My interest in fashion was awakened in my childhood, as I watched my mother, magnificent and inspiring, transform fabrics into true works of art. Her passion for sewing and weaving was contagious; she could spend hours bringing textiles to life with remarkable skill. My sister and I, captivated by this magic, loved playing with fabric scraps, fascinated by how she could metamorphose a simple silhouette. It was a daily enchantment, a natural mimicry inherent in little girls admiring their mother. This wonderful world then became an obvious reality for us.
2. What Would You Consider the Most Important Components of Your Style? And Do You Feel You Have A Signature Style?
The most important thing is to never feel like you’re in disguise. You wear the pieces, not the other way around. The Lena Erziak style is very feminine. Strength and softness are in perfect harmony, forming a unique tango with bursts of statement flavors here and there.
3. How has your work evolved since you launched your brand and, have your pieces become more appealing to people as a result?
Since the launch of our brand, our journey has been marked by continuous transformation. Initially, my sister and I brought elegant bags to life before venturing into the fascinating world of shoes. Two years ago, I decided to explore the art of couture, a choice that not only diversified our collection but also intensified our presence on the global stage. This growth has not only enhanced our visibility but also ensured that our pieces increasingly captivate the imagination of our audience.
4. How do you define success for yourself as a fashion designer?
Success is something personal. Ultimately, it is very subjective. For me, it means being in harmony with oneself, being healthy, and surrounded by the most precious people—my loved ones. That is success. For a fashion designer, being able to fully live off one’s art is already a precious victory.
5. What advice would you give a budding fashion designer trying to find their niche in the fashion industry?
I would advise them to listen to their inner voice with infinite attention, for it holds all the secrets.
6. Out of all your Collections, which is your favorite and why?
I don’t have a favorite collection. Each one is precious because they all come from my innermost being. Every collection tells a story, a dream, a vision, a moment suspended in time, a deep feeling that resides within me.
However, they all share a common thread: I am, ad vitam æternam, at the service of women. My ultimate dream is to magnify women, to help them feel beautiful, powerful, and feminine, without any compromise.
7. Do you think style and fashion play a larger role in today’s world?
Since the beginning of time, it is undeniable that people have always sought to communicate through their clothing, expressing their social belonging and much more. Fashion, by its very nature, is what goes out of style. It is a kind of planned obsolescence, much like the chronicle of a death foretold. It interests me much less than style.
Style, on the other hand, is something deeply personal. It is a way of moving through time and space, an attitude, a certain je-ne-sais-quoi that transcends eras. Style is the antithesis of fashion; it cares not for trends.
Fashion is more about what is in the air of the moment, somewhat superficial, and I would even say at times a bit dark. Today, something is fashionable, and tomorrow, it is outdated. For those of us committed to upcycling and sustainable development, using primarily heritage fabrics and producing only what is ordered, the values conveyed by fashion are antithetical to the values of sustainable development.
8. What do you want your legacy to be?
Surprisingly, I have never truly pondered this question. Perhaps because it implies that things are unchanging, while we are in constant motion. I still have so much to see, to experience, to accomplish, to learn, and to understand. Ask me this question when I am an old lady.
Nevertheless, deep in my heart, I aspire to leave behind a world better than the one we inherited.
9. What sort of aesthetic do you bend towards? Also how does color influence you or how does it affect your designs?
I am drawn to an aesthetic that seamlessly blends elegance with a touch of boldness. My design philosophy embraces a harmonious balance of classic sophistication and contemporary innovation, creating pieces that are both timeless and daring.
Color plays a pivotal role in my work, serving as a powerful tool to convey emotion and narrative. It has the ability to transform a design, evoking feelings and setting the mood of a collection. Whether it’s the serene calm of muted tones or the vibrant energy of bold hues, color is integral in shaping the story and essence of each piece.
10. How big a role does fashion play in your life?
I am driven by a plurality of desires and influences. I constantly navigate between worlds that, at best, misunderstand and disdain each other. This richness of contrasts deeply enriches me. My inspirations vary according to my mood, the moment, or my personal experiences. Fundamentally, I am a radiant person, convinced that life is a miracle, which is reflected in my need for brightness and color. However, I have just presented the Melancholia collection, entirely in black, an ode to poetic solitude and the quest for light in darkness. I am a multifaceted creator, true to my authenticity without ever cheating. My creative process is not built on extensive intellectualization but rather on feeling and instinct.
I am less interested in fashion and much more in style. I am an inveterate lover of beauty and harmony. People call me an aesthete… I am everything and its opposite. I need beauty to live, even in the different places where I reside. Living in places with visual harmony and a certain aura nourishes and inspires me. Without that, I am not in harmony.
12. You have an exceptionally unique style Lena, where does your style savvy come from, where do you get your inspiration?
Thank you. My sense of style, I inherited from my mother, that’s for sure. She was my muse, and she still is. She was a wonderful woman, epicurean, happy, loving, and also an inveterate aesthete. Her passion for materials was such that she taught us to recognize different silks. She transcended everything with an incredible grace and taught us to put things in perspective and to laugh at everything, especially ourselves. I owe everything I am to her, and I will never be able to thank her enough.
I am inspired by what I see, almost like a sponge. I absorb, sometimes unconsciously, everything around me: architecture, travel, cinema, poetry, museums, certain vintage pieces, or even a stranger sitting at a café. Emotions and every moment of life deeply inspire me.
13. How would you describe your brand aesthetics and personal style?
The Lena Erziak woman embodies freedom and a profound harmony with her time and with herself. She is fully aware of her identity and desires. As an aesthete and lover of life, she is a fascinating paradox, a multifaceted entity, both everything and its opposite.
My personal style is guided by my mood of the day and the context in which I find myself. These elements determine my clothing choices. I feel just as comfortable in jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers as I do in a tuxedo or a sheath dress.
16. What are the qualities of an empowered woman? And how can women be empowered while maintaining their femininity?
Emancipation is a multifaceted concept, intrinsically personal and relative. For me, it manifests as freedom, independence, continual education, and a constant thirst for learning and culture to better grasp and understand our world. I know what I want and work diligently to achieve my personal and professional ambitions.
I strive to cultivate a deep respect for myself, others, and the planet. This respect is accompanied by genuine empathy and true compassion. While I am firmly committed to the principles of equality and complementary and identify as a feminist, I hold a true respect for men. I see them as life partners rather than adversaries.
I am aware that notions of femininity have dramatically evolved in recent years, but I also assert the right to appreciate the masculine when it is benevolent, protective, strong yet sensitive, intelligent, and reassuring. When I can finally embrace my feminine energy in full power and lay down my defenses, it is also a joyful experience.
17. What would you say has been the most defining moment of your career as a fashion designer so far?
There have been several pivotal moments, but the most impactful were when icons like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, and other celebrities embraced our creations, igniting an extraordinary surge in sales. Designing a bespoke tuxedo for the king of French rap, Booba, heralded a new era for us, opening the doors to the luxury men’s market. I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to Booba for his unwavering commitment, his quiet strength, and his invaluable support. My thanks also extend to all the other artists for their trust.
Presenting our haute couture line in Paris was a momentous occasion, a definitive turning point in my career and the future of my company.
Meeting our wonderful Parisian team was another game changer for us, enriching our journey with their talent and dedication.
The launch of our couture line was yet another defining moment. Sometimes, I still pinch myself to believe that I am living this dream. The path, though demanding, requires unwavering rigor and consistency. Yet, it is in this relentless pursuit that I find profound fulfillment, and I am continually inspired to reach new heights.
18. What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your brand?
I have learned that my naivety has been both my greatest weakness and, paradoxically, my greatest strength. That success can be isolating… and that the essential remains.
19. There’s so much talk these days about inclusivity and diversity but is enough really being done?
It is crucial and essential for the well-being of our humanity and for living together. Obviously, we could do much better; that is evident.
20. What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?
Among the many sources of inspiration that drive me, the universe and the remarkable adaptability of human beings fascinate me the most. I am deeply moved by the rapid growth of my son and how quickly time passes, as well as by the astounding solidarity of trees through the mycelial network. Nature, with its infinite richness and mysteries, continues to nourish my creativity and enrich my vision of the world.
21. If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career what would it be?
Do not be afraid and trust your heart. Listen closely to your instinct, for it is the universe itself whispering precious advice to you.
22. What are your latest and upcoming projects, also Tell us about a project or collection which has been your greatest achievement?
Currently, I am immersed in designing the Colette by Lena Erziak collection, our ready-to-wear line, a creative adventure I am eager to share with the world.
In parallel, I am shaping unique spaces with interior design projects, including a loft in New York and two villas in Marrakech. I am also venturing into new territory with a limited edition capsule furniture collection, an unprecedented project.
23. What are your latest and upcoming projects for the year 2025?
For 2025, I wish to continue expanding the Lena Erziak brand internationally, while finding great joy in the process.
24. What would you like to achieve before the end of the year 2024?
I prefer not to set rigid goals that might increase my pressure. I appreciate our steady pace and strive to make the most of each moment, fully savoring the journey.
25. What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?
They have become indispensable in the fashion industry. Social media is no longer just a generational trend; today, it has become a necessity, and it seems challenging to have a professional presence without it.
Social media can be either a catalyst or detrimental, depending on how it is used. It is important to be able to disconnect, take a breath, enjoy nature, and step away from it all.
26. What motivational quote or saying would you say keep you feeling grounded and focused?
The quote by Rumi, “What you seek is seeking you,” is one of my favorites and perfectly encapsulates this sentiment. It reminds us that our deepest aspirations are also in search of us. This thought inspires me to stay grounded and focused, reminding me that the pursuit of what we desire is also a pursuit of ourselves.
What is the next big thing to come ?
The launch of the Ready to Wear collection ! Stay tuned !
