America is often confused about its identity. New Orleans is not. This city, for better or worse, knows its voice and will not suffer fools who try and change it. Lapeyre, a new clothing brand launched by Martha Lapeyre, draws inspiration from this quiet confidence and unrelenting sense of self. I was lucky enough to chat with her just two days after her September launch.
What is your connection to New Orleans? My connection to New Orleans runs deep, shaping both my work and my personality. Born and raised in this city, I come from a long line of New Orleans natives; my parents even met at a Mardi Gras ball! The city’s rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit have been a constant source of inspiration for me. Growing up visiting my mother’s boutique (Peony) on Magazine Street, I’ve been immersed in the unique fashion and creative energy that define New Orleans.
What led you to create a fashion brand? I grew up in New Orleans, surrounded by its vibrant culture and fashion influences. My mother’s boutique, along with her passion for vintage pieces, was the cornerstone of my love for fashion. The rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans, coupled with my experiences in Mardi Gras societies and as a deb/Mardi Gras queen, deeply inspired me. The need for formal wear for these events led me to design dresses for myself and friends.
How did you learn to design for yourself? After learning to sew from a local seamstress, I pursued my passion further by studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Georgia. During my time at SCAD, I interned with various fashion brands in New York City. Although my plans to study abroad were disrupted by COVID-19, my desire for global experiences remained strong. After graduating, I sought out the international exposure and attended Polimoda in Florence, Italy, where I earned my master’s degree in Creative Direction. There, I had the privilege of learning from Kris Van Assche, the former creative director of Dior menswear.
What is unique about your brand? My goal is to maintain a truly authentic brand. It is easy to get caught up in the theatrics of the industry and create a world that is unobtainable and compromise yourself as a designer. I strive to make my clothes easy and comfortable to wear which makes a huge impact on the materials and silhouettes that I use to design my pieces. Hopefully, I will create a world with Lapeyre that is inviting, warm, and conversational.
How can we shop with you? I will not have a traditional brick-and-mortar store. I am selling online and going on a very extensive trunk show tour around the United States; from New Jersey to California. On this tour I will share my work, talk about my designs and connect with potential customers. For upcoming trunk show dates, please follow us on Instagram @shoplapeyre or look online at shoplapeyre.com.
Meet Penn, Shop Talk Blogger
Penn Larocci is a born and raised New Orleanian. After graduating from Tulane University she lived in NYC for nine years working in sales and marketing at an investment bank. When she missed New Orleans more than she could stand, she moved back home, met her husband and started a family. She’s now raising two rambunctious little boys and spending her free time on environmental sustainability projects.
