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Melbourne based fashion designer Lucy Laurita has a wealth of expertise that can only be accumulated over time. The full-time designer and entrepreneur lives, eats and breathes design and has over 20 years experience within the fashion industry. Since launching her own evening dress label Leiela in 2005, Lucy’s reputation for glamorous high fashion and exceptional personal service continues to grow, with Leiela celebrating 10 years of fashion in 2015.
Leiela designer Lucy Laurita
From early experience throughout her studies at RMIT, working embroidery machines and placement at La Folie on Chapel St, Lucy discovered a drive and ambition to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become a fashion designer. It was this introduction into the fashion world that taught the young designer a lot about dressmaking and sewing, and led to a role with well-known Australian designer Jenny Bannister.
Assisting the prominent designer in everything, Lucy quickly became involved in the development of design collections and fashion runways. Highlights from the eight years spent with Jenny include seeing the designer’s dresses on famous supermodels Naomi Campbell and Amber Valletta, and her own metallic silk headpiece on Helena Christensen. It was the skills and confidence gained during this time that helped define Lucy and the direction her future business would take.
Helena Christensen
The experience fuelled the courage to branch out and begin Leiela. Lucy has since dressed a number of well-known stars in Leiela evening gowns. Two-time Helpmann award winner Verity Hunt-Ballard from theatre productions Mary Poppins and Sweet Charity, Lisa-Marie Parker of Cats and Amanda Harrison and the stars of Wicked and Doctor Zhivago. Lucy has dressed Australian Opera singer Silvie Paladino, Andre Rieu’s lead soprano Mirusia Louwerse, and the Opposition Leader’s wife Chloe Bryce-Shorten, just to name a few.
Andre Rieu and Mirusia Louwerse
Most recently Real Housewives of Melbourne’s Pettifleur Berenger was seen wearing Leiela gowns on screen for the hit TVshow, red carpet appearances and the 2015 TV Week Logie Awards. Leiela gowns have also graced the stage at Do You Hear The People Sing (Tapei), Carols by Candle Light, Miss Universe and Miss World.
Australian Opera Singer Silvie Paladino in Leiela at Carols by Candlelight
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Dresses online, Leiela editorial gowns are sold at a fraction of the retail cost on Etsy. Shop or hire now.
” In choosing the perfect gown for each client, Lucy provides an exceptional level of service and attention to detail. She has a great eye for design and a huge passion for what she does. Thank you Lucy! ” – Maxine
” Lucy’s success over the years has not changed her – she has stayed true to her roots, originality and vision. The impeccable quality of Leiela garments is a reflection of Lucy’s dedication to being proudly ‘Australian Made’ and Leiela continues to evolve as an inspired art form as Lucy’s flawless shapes are the epitome of feminine glamour! I must say that in the past 20 years I have known Lucy she has been a lovely, genuine soul and it has been my pleasure to have known and supported her. Here’s to another 20 years Lucy! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next. ” – Nevenka, Pink Mint Qld
