AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH LULU AL HASSAN

Lulu Al Hassan is one of the first Saudi footwear designers. Al Hassan is a well-known figure in the kingdom and hosts her own TV show about design. She was born in the US, and strongly believes that shoes make a big statement and can translate into confidence.

Lulu Alhassan, one of the first Saudi Shoe designers known for her playful elegant taste and designs that guarantee her customers’ comfort accompanied with style. Her luxury brand, Lu Vixen, is much-loved, and her first collection presented at the London Fashion Week was a huge success, after which she was offered two television shows to focus on design and artist in the region. As a licensed design teacher, Al Hassan hopes her brand Lu Vixen will inspire more of her countrywomen to follow in her footsteps.

How would you describe Lulu Al Hassan?

Indescribable.

You have a background in design and IT– how did you became a footwear designer? It was not planned , wanted to learn the business of this industry and ended up discovering that I have a creative mind and I enjoy the whole journey of creating from a sketch to an actual product.

What prompted you to start your own brand?

I had no one as a reference in Saudi who has good experience and knowledge in heels, and footwear luxury goods ,I had to learn it and on that journey the brand came along. my aim was not the brand itself, I wanted to create a clear path in Saudi for all the upcoming designer to lead and make things easier for them when it comes to footwear, accessories and leather goods in general .

Tell us more about the ethos behind Lu Vixen?

She is the alter ego of each woman… the side of her she sees in the mirror and wont show easily… she balances contractions. She is an archetype of literature and art. Un leashes unapologetic.

Tell us more about how you rose to success? If you believe you receive.

What are the challenges you face as a footwear designer?

My main challenge is not having the production and supply chain close by or in Saudi, which adds lots of opex that a startup usually shouldn’t have.

What is the process when designing a new shoe?

That’s so technical are you sure your reader wants to know this?

In few words: idea- sketch – specs sheet- sourcing – lasting- protype –approve – produce

You have collaborated with various entities in the past, how did they came about?

Lulus hub has many collaboration and they all came out well for both parties, however shoe mart was my favorite collaboration as it was targeting mass and a new segment that I have enjoyed knowing and testing, yet designing for.

What inspired your latest collection?

My latest collection was a collaboration between me and chrisitin wu , a beautiful Asian brand, I wanted to mix the depth and heritage of the Asian culture with the richness and royalty of the arab world.

How would you describe the Saudi Arabian fashion industry?

All the way up… few pumps which is mandatory in the learning curve… however only true talent and mind will survive.

Can you share with us one of your milestones in your career?

Being a footwear designer is a milestone by itself in my situation.

Tell us a typical day in the life of Lulu Al Hassan?

I rarely have a typical day which is actually my favorite. usually wake up around 7 am, have my juice and do my silent prayers and meditations, read a book, by 9 I start reading my emails and the day starts between meeting and work follow ups. Workout around noon then back home cook a nice meal and either focus on a collection if I have an upcoming one. Do some market research and learn what’s happening in the world of design,fashion,art and shoes. If I am not invited somewhere I would listen to a book or play some jazz till my body decides to call the night off.

What would you like to achieve that you haven’t already?

Design and create in different field than fashion and accessories.

As a Saudi citizen, what challenges or bias did you have to face when working abroad?

None.

What is one piece of advice that you receive and live by? Who gave it to you? Position your self right , take your time and believe in your talent, books and hassle taught me that.

What are your hopes for your country and its next generations?

I don’t hope, hope is a false alarm. I know we will reach all our goals sooner or later if we sticked to the plan and believed in our leader.

You have received recognition for your work, what is coming up next for Lulu Al Hassan?

To receive the right recognition for the brain behind the work.

Interview conducted by Narges Raiss