Laura Gelfand is the founder of Le Lion, a women’s customizable knitwear brand founded in 2017. Le Lion was born out of a passion for personalization reminiscent of a bygone era and the desire to reestablish what it means to dress with individual sparkle. Using the finest Italian yarn, knitted in classic, wearable silhouettes, Le Lion sweaters are adorned with embroidered interpretations of traditional heraldry and personalized with whimsical monograms and zodiac constellations.
Prior to founding Le Lion, Laura was the director of sales at FIGUE. During her time at FIGUE Laura had the opportunity to develop and launch FIGUE’s wholesale program. In her four and a half years there she developed relationships with renowned retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Moda Operandi, Netaporter, Shopbop, and leading specialty boutiques around the country.
Laura grew up in New York and is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Upon graduating, Laura began working in collection accessories at Ralph Lauren at their headquarters in New York City. Laura left Ralph Lauren in 2011 to pursue a degree in Fashion Design from Parsons School of Design in New York. While at Parsons Ms. Gelfand studied the process, techniques, and the language of fashion design from concept to production. Through challenging and rigorous coursework, Ms. Gelfand learned everything from the basics of drawing, draping, pattern-making, sewing and tailoring to the essentials of merchandising, marketing, manufacturing, and business planning.
Be sure to follow Le Lion on Instagram and check out all their amazing products online at lelion.com!
May 27, 2019
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How did Le Lion get its start:
Laura
I came up with the idea while I was still working at FIGUE. I had a sweater with a burst of sequins that I wore every single day throughout one winter and it totally sparked the idea!
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What do you love most about your work:
Laura
Meeting people. This business has introduced me to such incredible people—from customers to other female entrepreneurs—it has been so inspiring.
View Laura's Essentials
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Best career advice you’ve received:
Laura
Trust yourself. It is so hard in the beginning because you feel like you have no idea what you are doing! It is a lot of risk-taking but you need to trust yourself and just go for it.
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Walk us through a typical work day:
Laura
Really no two days are the same because I am often traveling for trunk shows around the country. When I am in NYC I spend most time managing the logistics of getting our sweaters embroidered. It is a complicated process because each sweater goes to two different embroiderers!
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What inspires your designs:
Laura
Traditional heraldry and monograms, vintage celestial symbols, timeless silhouettes, and SPARKLE!
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Current favorite Le Loin piece:
Laura
Obsessed with our new puff sleeve styles—the puff sleeve petite crew is a favorite because it comes in the most gorgeous pastels and I am obsessed with our vintage bow heraldry. I think it is my favorite embroidery I have done so far!
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Your go-to power outfit:
Laura
A Le Lion sweater with my monogram or leo zodiac, jeans or floral printed pants and sparkly Rochas flats! A modern business suit!!!
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You never leave the house without:
Laura
My D. Portault trefles blue cosmetic case that is filled with everything I could ever need!! Bandaids, Blistex, travel size perfume, Dr. Bronner's lavender hand sanitizer, Chantecaille sparkly lip gloss, and more!
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Share your biggest guilty pleasure:
Laura
I have recently developed a deep LOVE of Chick-fil-a and get it every single time I see it at the airport LOL! Spicy chicken sandwich with fries, Chick-fil-a sauce, and BBQ sauce.
R&S
What’s next for Le Lion:
Laura
An incredibly exciting partnership with a big online retailer for holiday!!
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