< Back
Minimalist with a creative spin on classic tailoring, Gordon Luchini’s eponymous label Suited by Gordon expresses his meticulous approach to design. He hopes to attract the man about town who appreciates the finest things in life. Despite having only launched the label in 2019, his eye for avant-garde details have swiftly defined the 22-year-old’s bespoke brand.
Gordon speaks to me about his interdisciplinary approach to balancing form and function.
In Conversation With Gordon Luchini
Words by Yelena Grelet
When did you discover your love of fashion?
Gordon: My interest evinced itself in high school at fashion related events. We customised our outfits to stand out in the crowd and that’s when I realised I could design. I’ve always admired the works of Margiela, Kawakubo and more recently Rick Owens.
Where else do you find inspiration?
Gordon: There are a whole lot of Modernist painters and sculptors who make my work seem possible. Mondrian, Picasso, Dali, Brancusi, also the constructivists from Russia.
What does fashion mean to you?
Gordon: Fashion is my only escape to an unrestricted world of creativity. I have always loved my autonomy.
Was it difficult starting up your own label?
Gordon: It was tough. My first suits were made from a sewing machine I borrowed. I sourced my materials and equipment from my own savings. My first financial backing was from the CDNA programme this year.
Who is the Suited by Gordon customer?
Gordon: My ideal client would be the bon ton of elegance who is willing to spend for outstanding quality.
What do you think makes your brand different to other personal tailors?
Gordon: I try to engage my client in the design process as much as possible. Also, my cutting is very different in that it takes more on the artistic side than on the traditional tailoring way.
You are also a milliner and have paired full face masks with suits. What is it about headdresses that intrigues you?
Gordon: Hats give a certain obscurity to the wearer that moves me instinctively. I love the work of Philip Treacy - his designs are mind blowing.
Do you think that it’s time that the mainstream media started looking seriously at Africa’s fashion capitals?
Gordon: Nairobi Fashion Week is still less popular compared to Lagos or Johannesburg. It would be a stepping stone for African brands to tap into the international market and subsequently comment on the global fashion scene.
What would be your advice for designers wanting to launch their own label?
Gordon: Always rely on yourself, trust the process and do not wish for quick success. Remember that sustainable fashion is the future so it is best to design with social consciousness in mind.
What have you gained from CDNA?
Gordon: Knowledge, networking with key fashion industry players and financial aid. I learned finance and data analytics, which is going to help me in a long way in keeping track of consumer information and gains from my new collection.
Where do you see yourself and the brand in five years’ time?
Gordon: Suited by Gordon should have franchised with fully operational studies nationwide and reaching out to a global market.
What would be your dream setting to work in?
Gordon: I would be in a loft in London or Paris with melancholy Max Richter records playing in the background.
If you could collaborate with any designer (dead or alive) who would it be?
Gordon: Alexander McQueen as his designs were unparalleled and unique.
< Back