Isolation Insights: Q&A with Louise, founder of L.F.Markey

We caught up with London's favourite workwear designer LF Markey to talk about her love for Stoke Newington, why she started her eponymous label and how she is relaxing in lockdown...

Couverture: What was the concept behind L.F. Markey when you first started the brand?
Louise Markey: When I started L.F. Markey there weren't many options in casualwear which suited how I wanted to dress. I have always been a practical person, so I have been drawn towards utilitarianism. But I wanted something interesting from a design point of view.

C: How does your background influence the current running of L.F. Markey?
LM: I have worked in the fashion industry, in many different roles, for many years now. I couldn’t have started my own label without this long and varied background.

C: What do you love about London?
LM: The best thing about London is that it is a creative hotbed.

C: Which are your favourite areas and spots in London?
LM: I am a die-hard east Londoner and love the whole area from Stoke Newington (where I live) down to Shoreditch and everything in between. One of my favourite spots is where our shop is in Dalston- our neighbours include the amazing coffee shop Allpress, wonderful nail bar Shoredtich Nails and some great pubs including the Prince George and The Victoria.

C: What are the new big trends you’re seeing for next season?
LM: I am seeing a return to a more 80s, slim fitting silhouette. Things like sustainability, body positivity, and diversity / visibility are becoming more important which is a welcomed movement.

C: Looking forward, what is next in the pipeline we can get excited about for L.F. Markey?
LM: We have lots in mind to do once lockdown is lifted, including opening new stores and expanding our sister line, Meadows.

C: How are you adapting to now working from home?
LM: It’s definitely a struggle with 3 kids and both parents still working! I think now after so many weeks together we are getting more in the swing of things - partly by not putting too much pressure on ourselves.

C: How are you maintaining a positive headspace throughout everything going on?
LM: I’m making the most of my allocated exercise break and have taken up jogging! It is really helping to clear the mind and relax.

C: What is your go-to outfit to work in around the house?
LM: I’m ashamed to admit it’s day-to-day tracksuits for me.

C: What are you listening to whilst working through the lockdown?
LM: My husband works in the music industry so it’s whatever he is blasting through the house.

C: More time at home means more cooking - which recipes have you been trying out?
LM: I’m not a great cook so I tend to leave it to Tom- we’ve been eating some lovely food. Lots of yummy curries.

C: What tv / films have you been enjoying whilst at home?
LM: It’s been a mixed bag- I particularly liked the folk-horror film Midsommar.

C: How have things changed in your local area since the lockdown came into place?
LM: Everyone in Stoke Newington is very obedient and strictly obeying lockdown- things are very quiet in our area!

C: Who do you share your home with?
LM: I live with my husband, Tom, and our 3 sons; Francis, Jude and Marlow, who was just born 2 months ago.