At just 16 years old, Lucas Caracas Le-Fort is the creative mind behind a distinctive dark clothing line that blends Brazilian vibrancy with Canadian influences. Hailing from Brazil's bustling and colourful streets, Lucas embarked on a transformative journey to Canada seven years ago. This move opened up a world of possibilities and a deep appreciation for diverse styles, setting the stage for an evolving passion in fashion design that Lucas is thrilled to share with the world.

Embracing Cultural Influences

"Yeah, just being myself while wearing colour in Brazil, at least where I come from, a lot of people like to dress well to go places. It doesn't matter if it's the supermarket or a fancy event, they will always dress well," Lucas shares. "That always resonated with me and stayed with me even when I came to Canada. I wanted to show that I love to dress well, just like other people from Brazil. Brazil is such a colourful place with its parades and vibrant culture."

Lucas's brand is described as a fusion of Brazilian and Canadian influences. When asked for examples of how this fusion is reflected in their collections, Lucas says, "I think the best example is my Thriller collection. It's two pairs of pants, and one has leaves with a green tint, which is more vibrant, representing my Brazilian side. The other has darker tones, representing Canada."

The Power of Fashion as Self-Expression

Fashion, for Lucas, is more than just clothing—it's a form of art and self-expression. "I've always loved to create. By wearing my clothes, I hope people will feel that boost of happiness I aim to provide. I studied a lot about colours, figuring out what each colour could mean and what it could do for you. Seeing people wear my clothes and feeling the same way about colour and happiness is like a dream come true."

Lucas's journey in fashion began in earnest three years ago when they first learned about sewing. Lucas's determination remained strong despite a less-than-stellar initial experience with a school sewing class. "I bought my own sewing machine and took classes outside of school. That experience showed me a lot and made me want to create more. It was amazing."

A Star is Born

Lucas's brand name, Star, has personal significance. "Star is something I've been calling myself ever since I was little. For every school assignment, I would write 'Lucas' and put a star at the end. I think the reason is a story that stayed with me about a little prince in space. That's how I got my curiosity for space and stars."

From Concept to Creation

Describing their design process, Lucas explains, "Before starting the sketches, I think about my feelings and what's going on in my life. I never start a collection feeling sad. I let my ideas flow in the sketches without worrying about execution. After that, I source my fabric, looking for rich, comfortable materials. I spend a lot of time testing fabrics and seeing how they hold up. Once I make the clothes, I give them to someone close to me for about two weeks to see how everything fits and feels."

The final step in Lucas's process is one of their favourites: photoshoots. "All my photos are taken with friends, and it's just so fun. It's a beautiful part of the process, seeing how others feel in my designs."

Quality and Comfort

For Lucas, the quality and comfort of clothing are paramount. "I always look for something comfortable and rich in material. Testing fabrics is crucial to ensure they contribute to the overall quality and comfort of the clothing."

Lucas Caracas Le-Fort's journey in fashion design is a testament to the power of cultural fusion, personal expression, and relentless creativity. As they continue to explore and create, their passion for fashion enriches their own life and brings a splash of colour and joy to those who wear their designs.