Spotlight On Lou de Bètoly

Upcycling designer Lou de Bètoly speaks about her work, the state of the fashion industry and where we go from here.

PHOTOGRAPHy_ ANTHONY SEKLAOUI

STYLIST_ ALLY MACRAE

MODEL_ IRIS delcourt (VIVa)

HIGH SANDALS_ MADE FROM RECYCLED SHOES, VEGETABLE TANNED LEATHER, AND ELASTIC STRAPS FINISHED WITH MOLDED GLASS PEARLS_ FAUVEL X LUCILLE THIÈVRE_ FW20

How would you describe your work?

LDB_ I have a rather glamorous approach I would say. I love the ideas of organized chaos, accumulation, and transformation. My work integrates a lot of detailed handcraft.

How would you define upcycling and how does it come into play in your work?

LDB_ I would describe upcycling, as it relates to my work, as twisting, deconstructing, and recreating something existing and devalued, to give it a new life and vision.

What do you think is the role of the designer in these times?

LDB_ I think there are different ways of being a designer. But one thing would be to rethink the process, show new possibilities, still feel free to create, but to be conscious of what you're putting into the world. To show a way out of the dead end of commerciality repeating itself over and over again and resulting in a lot of waste.