Designer of the month: Leslie Ferre

In her home in Vorst/Forest, designer Leslie Ferré makes durable clothing suitable for all occasions. Her creations make for smooth protection layers against the cold winter.

Originally from Nantes, France, Leslie Ferré lived in Paris, Lille, Bristol, and Normandy before she set foot in Brussels fifteen years ago. It is here that she decided to focus full-time on her own fashion brand. She uses top-quality leftover materials from discontinued productions of big fashion houses, which she transforms into artisanal pieces of art all by herself in her home workshop. She will be at a few Christmas markets in December, such as the “Boom de Noël” at UR Square.

How would you describe your style?
Leslie Ferré: My clothing has a certain simplicity to it. It is comfortable and suitable for various occasions: at home, at work, or on a night out. The sweatshirt, my crowd-pleaser, is by definition a versatile and flexible garment in which you can move freely. I often go for a natural look, but I am also exploring graphic designs with lively colours and I always make sure to add a personal touch. I keep experimenting, freedom is really my greatest good.

Where do you get your inspiration from?
Ferré: Everything is an inspiration. I am guided partly by materials and colours, and also by my everyday observations. Brussels's architecture is an infinite source of inspiration, there is always a detail – as tiny as a doorknob – or a line that sets me on a new path. Holiday landscapes also have an influence on me, you can see in my clothes where I spent my last vacation. (Laughs)

You mostly work alone, but sometimes also in collaboration, with Brussels illustrator Fanny Dreyer for example.
Ferré: I made a kids' clothing line with her, which was launched in November. Fanny made several children's books, and she drew playful characters and graphic elements on the clothes. Since she is one of my best friends, collaborating with her was a real joy. I also worked with two other good friends: Corinne Clarysse from stationery shop Corinne vend des trucs and artist Anne Brugni. I love translating their worlds into textile.

Info: leslieferre.com / Instagram: leslieferrestudio