Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
England-born, LA-based designer Jemma Swatek started her line, Lykke Wullf, with the desire to create a collection of pieces that were both accessible and good quality. The line's vintage-inspired clothes are made for the girl that wants to standout, but doesn't want to look like she's trying too hard.
Lykke Wullf's new fall collection follows that same mantra with some seriously cool pieces. We're talking retro-printed dresses, rad overalls, velvet bell bottoms, pretty peasant tops, and boho bell-sleeved numbers (you can shop them all here). To celebrate, we caught up with Swatek to find out what inspired her fall range, who her design muses are, what's up next for Lykke Wullf, and more.
Describe the Lykke Wullf girl.
The Lykke Wullf customer knows what she likes. She's confident and not scared to standout. She looks effortless yet turns heads everywhere she goes. She's a sophisticated cowgirl. Her theme song is "I'm Not Like Everybody Else" by The Kinks. My customers are women ranging from ages 20 to 70. They are special, magical individuals from all over the world and I love them. It's great because I have a pretty personal relationship with most of my customers and that's pretty special and inspiring.
What was the inspiration behind the new fall collection?
The new collection was inspired by one of my favorite movies (visually and stylistically) Performance with Mick Jagger and Anita Pallenberg. In the movie, Mick Jagger is a reclusive ex-rock star that lives in a rundown mansion. I liked the idea of broken down luxury [so] I chose luxurious and durable fabrics, some of which have psychedelic vibes (you'll have to watch the movie for that part). Everything in the collection can be worn day or night and be dressed up or down. I think the collection represents the idea of effortless, sophisticated, and individual style that Mick and Anita portray in the movie.
What are your favorite pieces from the collection?
It's hard for me to choose. What I have worn non-stop is the Jagger Cropped Jacket. It dresses up any outfit. I have been wearing it mainly just thrown on with jeans and a T-shirt. I also find myself constantly wearing the Anita High-Rise Denim Overalls. They are perfect for wearing every day. The Nico Velvet Bell Bottom Pants are dreamy, comfy, and cropped at the ankle, which I love. For a night out, I am obsessed with the Pattie Metallic Jumper (named after Pattie Boyd), which I can't wait to wear with a black turtle neck and knee high boots once it gets cold enough.
Who or what are your design muses?
I am in love with musicians and people from the '60s and '70s whose style I admire. Mick Jagger, Pattie Boyd, George Harrison, Marc Bolan, David Bowie, Anita Pallenberg, Stevie Nicks, and Nancy Sinatra are a few of my favorite muses.
Where do you go in LA for inspiration?
LA is full of inspiration, which is why I love living here. I am a nature girl so I would say that I get a lot of my ideas when I can be still. I love finding new hiking spots and I love the beaches in Malibu. I also like to just walk around my Echo Park neighborhood and admire the houses and gardens. When I hit a creative wall, I like to go out to a bar for whisky and dancing. I get some great ideas doing that. My favorite place to go dancing is the Monty. On Sunday nights, you'll probably find me there trying to get random strangers to get off their bar stools and dance with me.
What are your favorite places to shop in LA?
I like to look at the beautiful merchandise that Creatures of Comfort and Mohawk General Store carry. However, vintage is what mainly inspires me so you can find me at Painted Bird, Possession Vintage, and flea markets.
What's next for Lykke Wullf?
I really would like to open my own magical shop here in LA in the near future.
· Lykke Wullf [Official Site]