Lelash Designs, the creative brainchild of Leah, offers a bold fusion of futuristic darkness and cyber goth aesthetics that have quickly become a unique presence in fashion. Inspired by the worlds of sci-fi and fantasy, Leah’s creations blend club wear with everyday fashion in ways that challenge conventional style. With a strong foundation in alternative fashion, Lelash is proving that bold visions and dreams can indeed come to life.
Leah’s journey into fashion design began early. Growing up in a family that supported her interest in both the dark and the creative, she found fashion to be a natural way to express herself. During high school, she began crafting her own garments from recycled materials, which sparked her decision to pursue fashion design. Simultaneously, she worked as a DJ, using the income to fund her design ventures. After completing a local Cert IV in fashion design, Leah moved to Sydney to further her education with a diploma from North Shore College. It was during this time that she began experimenting with cyber goth designs, combining futuristic and gothic elements.
While at college, Leah faced criticism for her unconventional approach to fashion, with some teachers dismissing her work as “costumes.” However, her refusal to conform led to an exciting opportunity early in her studies: she was commissioned to create a bulletproof vest for a music video by Australian pop star Selwyn. This breakthrough helped solidify her reputation, and she went on to specialize in fitted garments and corset construction. Soon after, Italian tailor and leather maker Mario Panvino offered her a year-long mentorship, where she honed her skills in tailoring, pattern making, and leatherwork.
Working alongside Panvino, Leah’s portfolio expanded significantly, with creations ranging from a white sheep skin leather wedding gown to leather handbags and evening dresses. Panvino encouraged Leah to focus on her own designs, which eventually led to the birth of Lelash. With her newfound skills and mentorship, Leah launched Lelash while continuing to explore the darker side of fashion, experimenting with materials and styles that mainstream fashion wouldn’t typically embrace.
Despite the challenges of launching a fashion brand, particularly the financial hurdles that come with niche designs, Leah remained committed to her vision. She worked for an event company as a Production Coordinator, gaining valuable experience in event production, prop making, and fabric creation. Although this role wasn’t directly related to her cyber goth passion, it allowed her to pay the bills while learning the business side of the industry.
After a few years, Leah returned to her true passion—Lelash. Rather than closing herself off from the fashion world, she stayed connected to the industry, continuously learning about new trends and innovations. Leah understands that successful fashion isn’t just about creating beautiful designs; it’s also about mastering the business aspects that support a brand.
Each Lelash piece is a labor of love. Drawing on her broad education and experience, Leah creates designs that are both imaginative and practical. Some pieces may take months to perfect, but she ensures that her creations remain accessible and wearable, even as they push the boundaries of fashion. Leah’s focus on developing each collection with meticulous attention to detail has become a hallmark of Lelash.
What sets Leah apart is her ability to pursue her dreams with both creative ambition and a grounded approach. She didn’t rush into building her brand; instead, she took the time to develop her skills and gain experience. By approaching her work with patience and a focus on growth, Leah has built Lelash into a brand with staying power, one that’s destined for greater success in the years to come.
Lelash is more than just a fashion label—it’s a testament to the power of persistence, creativity, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
