MEET THE MAKER: ANNE-SOFIE, COUNTESS OF LUCAN
Dream Escape meets founder and designer, The Countess of Lucan, to chat about her British country tailoring brand, colour, luxury, the Lucan studio and more, at her beautiful London home
Fusing classic British country tailoring with an essence of fierce London cool, Lucan Fashion is the new word in luxury and style. Dream Escape met founder and designer The Countess of Lucan at her beautiful London home to talk colour, luxury, heritage and exclusive personal styling…
WITH AN ENVIABLE ability to bring practical country style to the streets of London, while also sharing her eye for colour and a love of Scotland, Lady Lucan's approach to design has always been about reflecting her Danish heritage and indulging her passions. And for anyone enjoying a private consultation with her
– a key part of Dream Escape's London experience – you can expect to find yourself surrounded by influences from around Britain, and beyond.
HOME AND HERITAGE
“London is the birthplace of Lucan Fashion, where I channel my passion…it is a hub of inspiration, energy and creativity and adds an urban edge to the styles,” she explains, talking to Dream Escape from her home in St John's Wood. “Scotland is where I feel spirited and intrepid and it is a significant part of our Made in Britain collection.”
Ireland also plays a big part in the brand's identity. The signature Ballinrobe women's coat, for instance, gets its name from County Mayo, where the Lucans held large estates and also where Anne-Sofie and her husband George fell in love.
“The coat, like the River Robe which runs through County Mayo, is a long flowing garment with exquisitely defined curves in all the right places,” explains Anne-Sofie; while the colours of the grey herringbone tweed and soft pink lining are inspired by the shadowy hills set against the stunning sunsets the area is renowned for.
“Many of our garments have a ‘story behind the style' and are named after events or places that are linked to the family name,” she adds. The Lucan name is steeped in military heritage, for instance, and the men's Scotia coat takes its name from the 'snowswept' province of Nova Scotia in Canada, of which the Lucans have been Baronets since the 17th century.
“I have also taken inspiration from the Lucan family heraldic colours,” adds AnneSofie. “The gold and Castlebar blue in our coat of arms are evident in vibrant linings and pop accent piping.”
TOWN AND COUNTRY
Anne-Sofie was inspired to create Lucan Fashion when she couldn't find garments that seamlessly transitioned from her busy city life to her active, outdoor country life. “I wanted stylish clothes that would take me seamlessly from town to country, which had colour, contour and truthful ergonomics,” she explains. “I searched for a luxurious jacket that I could wear straight from the moor into fashionable London venues, but all I could find were dowdy, ill-fitting pieces in dour fabrics. I believe in clothes that are fun, vibrant and a pleasure to wear. But I couldn't find them.”
And so, Lucan Fashion was born. Taking its signature approach from country sports, and then making them relevant in the fashion style-stakes, Lucan Fashion cleverly blends practical with chic. Think oversized pockets – perfect for a modern lifestyle, jetting around without bags; as well as hidden internal pockets, functional actionbacks and fold-back cuffs, accentuated with shades of orange, fuchsia and chartreusegreen. “Colours are inspired by the countryside and stately homes from glorious weekends away and reflect that British sense of humour found in country sports,” says Anne-Sofie.
For ladies, aside from the beautiful Ballinrobe Coat, the Urban Safari
Collection, which features funky leopardprint buttons, is a go-to for transitional, contemporary cool with modern elegance – think urban jodhpurs, button-through skirts, gilets and versatile jackets. “I have become obsessed with our statement shoulder Carra jacket, which is made from authentic Irish linen in hot fuchsia,” says Anne-Sofie, who also mentions the Feeagh corduroy jacket, and the brand's stretch leather ‘Rouser Trouser' – which has become a firm celebrity favourite. The glamorous trousers can be dressed up or down and can take you anywhere – from weekends away and nights out to country walks or family trips to the playground.
“I wanted stylish clothes that would take me seamlessly from town to country, which had colour, contour and truthful ergonomics”
SUSTAINABLE AND LOCAL
This commitment to pieces that not only reflect family history and the British landscape, but also transition from day to night, and town to country, means the brand focuses on bespoke, long-lasting investment pieces which you can wear – and love – for years.
“Investment pieces are very important to us and we manage the collection much as a curator approaches a vernissage or exhibition,” says Anne-Sofie. “Lucan is about lasting style rather than fast fashion. Our garments are a valuable investment in one's own wardrobe and are sustainable purchases for people as well as being kind to our planet.”
The brand takes this even further, using all-natural, renewable fibres from local producers, including Harris Tweed of Scotland and Scottish cashmere, to ensure provenance stays as close to locale as possible. Its signature Magee Donegal tweed is produced with renewable energy from a long-standing family business in Ireland, while its English tweeds are made in the heart of Yorkshire by a mill that respects the five animal freedoms, and is committed to zero waste, recycling and using solar energy.
“I see our clothes as being tradition brought to life. Modernity and ethics are added by the colourful vibrancy of our pieces, which stand the test of time as sartorial heirlooms, therefore avoiding the disposable landfill culture.”
“I am delighted to share some pockets of my home and business life with the Dream Escape readers. I hope to meet you at our exclusive salon when London” you are in
VIBRANT AND PERSONAL
Colour clearly plays a big part in design at Lucan Fashion – with colour pops, pocket accents, vibrant linings and even specially created Harris Tweed in bright Lucan colours, creating a signature playfulness.
“I absolutely love colour,” says Anne-Sofie. “And I like to have fun adding a Lucan funky colour twist to classic pieces. I find there is also so much British humour in the use of colour. I love creating something that will make the wearer smile and the viewer think ‘va va voom – WOW'.”
It makes sense that there is so much of Anne-Sofie's personality in her clothes, because her connection to the brand encompasses her whole family. Her Husband, George, The 8th Earl of Lucan, models for the brand, and Anne-Sofie often designs pieces specifically for him – such as the Lepanto Jacket in Cotton Twill and the Connacht in Straw Pink Corduroy. “His wardrobe staple is the iconic Lucan gilet,” says Anne-Sofie. “And, this season he has fallen in love with the Turberville topcoat in Irish Donegal, worn with a spicy orange merino rollneck, which is a look that has already turned heads.”
When George isn't modelling for her, Anne-Sofie is accompanied by the other man in her life – her beloved 18-month-old son Charles, who often comes to work with her at the London studio. “We have to include fun into a structured day,” she explains. “While fitting in his naps, needs and naughty moments! It is a multitasker's heaven – as my beautiful bundle of energy adores wearing our tweed caps ‘ Peaky Blinder' style and running away with cashmere scarves!”
Family is clearly very important, and Anne-Sofie says that in her moments of downtime, she is happiest “being with George and the children, in the local park in London with a good coffee”.
For a special night out, or a weekend away, she says it's all about being with good friends – shooting, laughing and surrounded by beautiful art. “Britain has a plethora of stunning vistas to explore in the town and country, which visually touch my core. I adore looking over valleys on a shoot, but also enjoy special nights at Matteo's restaurant at Annabel's, followed by a Quay d'Orsay cigar.”
A PERSONAL SERVICE
With such a joyful approach to life and a passion for what she does, Anne-Sofie is renowned for her private consultations, where any client is met with her warmth and generosity. Arranged by Dream Escape's travel designers in collaboration with Anne-Sofie at Lucan's Mayfair salon, guests receive exclusivity and VIP special treatement at these consultations, which is not not available to the general public. Inside Anne-Sofie's studio colourful rails line the walls, divided into town and country pieces. You can browse the collection, while sipping a glass of Champagne, perusing colours, garments and hearing the stories behind the styles. Each garment is named after a family member or linked to the Lucan family heritage, so there is always a lot to share. After shopping, you'll even be offered a manicure and a coffee.
“It is important to have face-to-face contact, so as to listen to our guests,” says Anne-Sofie. “I enjoy meeting them, and they enjoy meeting the Lucan founder and designer too. I love getting to know new people and have found out that everyone has a secret to tell. We care about what customers have to say and value their comments, with a view to building what we hope will become a long-lasting relationship.”