Blamo! Rethinking Fit and Formality with Luke Walker of L.E.J.
Jan 12, 2026
Luke Walker, founder and creative director of L.E.J., shares his journey from LANVIN to launching a menswear brand rooted in personal aesthetics. He discusses the loneliness often felt in menswear fandom and the importance of community. Luke also highlights the difference between designing clothes and developing them, emphasizing how garments accrue meaning over time. With insights on fit, tailoring, and the philosophy behind L.E.J.'s quality offerings, he challenges traditional norms in fashion and advocates for connection through clothing.
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Loneliness Drives Menswear Community
- Menswear fandom often carries a quiet loneliness that seeks validation through community and shared knowledge.
- Luke and Jeremy say that group chats, studio visits, and niche forums scratch that itch and normalize nerdy interests.
Design Versus Development Distinction
- Luke differentiates between designers, creative directors, and product developers by depth of technical knowledge and execution responsibility.
- He stresses product developers must sometimes ignore designers' preferences to achieve the right construction and result.
Lanvin: An Unpaid College Of Craft
- Luke describes starting at Lanvin like a seven-year college where he learned by doing with almost no budget and huge creative freedom.
- He remembers designing standout trainers and being amazed by the access to exceptional materials and makers.