Lauren’s collection was the result of immersing herself in traditionally working class environments, namely pubs and boxing gyms, with the intention of returning the image of the working man to one of heroic romanticism, rejecting the usual visual references of functional workwear. Exploring the rich heritage of her hometown and its revered leather industry, she worked closely with numerous saddlery companies, using donated leather offcuts to create the entirety of her collection, using laser etching technologies to add decorative surface design, originating from her own sketches.




Determined to depict her subjects with respect and upmost appreciation, Lauren engaged in life drawing sessions with pub locals, creating detailed pencil sketches whilst asking each individual to tell their personal stories as she captured their likeness. These sketches were then transformed into digital drawings that could be laser etched upon the leather. Traditional leatherwork techniques were applied to the creation of the collection, with guidance from master saddlers who provided her with appropriate skills and knowledge of their craft. Working with leather is a slow and demanding process that fosters the need to design through making.




Strong silhouettes and an artisanal aesthetic dominate the collection, with shades evocative of original life drawing tones and a toughness that still manages to remain soft and idyllic. Lauren wanted t o create a balance of typically masculine shapes and artful expression, celebrating the characters of the men she was surrounded by. With masculinity coming under significant scrutiny in recent years, Lauren wanted to project a more positive representation of men.