Bio -
“The most important would be the Redress Design Awards collection (blue/on stage), as this is their photo provided to me so I will need to credit them. The other photography is with a local photographer, Nicholas Santo.”
Interview -
Who are you as a designer? Aesthetic? Customer? Brand?
"Lucky Boy" is all about embracing gratitude and recognizing the opportunities that come our way—something I came to deeply understand through my personal experiences. Growing up in a strict household with minimal creative freedom, I often felt limited in how I could express myself. The dream of starting a fashion brand with my childhood best friend, Mary Glenn, sparked a sense of creative freedom I didn't know I needed. After her sudden passing, I turned to embroidery to cope, creating T-shirts under the name "Frank & Glenn" and donating the proceeds to mental health awareness. What began as a way to heal eventually turned into a passion for using fashion as a form of expression, advocacy, and connection.
The "All Stars" collection by Lucky Boy draws heavily from my upbringing in Louisville, Kentucky—a place where Southern traditions meet urban culture. Growing up, I often felt pressured to fit into rigid societal molds, particularly within the Southern culture of tradition and perfection. Over time, I learned to embrace transformation, seeing it as an opportunity for personal growth.
"All Stars” celebrates those moments of self-discovery, highlighting that when we break free from limitations, we can fully express who we are. This collection is rooted in the theme of personal transformation, where the focus is on shifting perspectives, letting go of old beliefs, and embracing the freedom to reinvent ourselves. The name "All Stars" reflects this expansive potential—we are all stars meant to shine, regardless of our past."
What's next for you as a designer and your brand?
Sustainability plays a central role in this vision. I want to create garments that reflect both personal and environmental growth. Through innovative textiles like “Deniim”—a fabric made by needle-felting repurposed denim and cotton—and using materials like burlap and lace, I aim for each piece to embody the values of resilience, authenticity, and mindfulness. Lucky Boy is about creating garments that not only stand the test of time in terms of quality but also encourage a deeper connection to both ourselves and the planet. Ultimately, I want the brand to inspire people to live more intentionally and authentically.
Looking ahead, I see Lucky Boy as a brand that bridges fashion and personal transformation, where every piece tells a story of growth, vulnerability, and the beauty of embracing our humanity. The future of Lucky Boy is one of continued exploration, where fashion and self-awareness intersect to create garments that empower individuals to live fully, authentically, and sustainably.
In closing is there anything else you'd like to share with readers?
I’d just like to remind everyone that fashion is more than what we wear—it’s a reflection of who we are and a tool for personal transformation. Through Lucky Boy, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own journey, break free from old limitations, and express themselves authentically. We are all worthy of our limitless potential, and as we continue to evolve, I’m excited to bring more collections that challenge conventions, push boundaries, and encourage growth, both in ourselves and the world around us. Thank you for supporting this journey.
Links -
How did you learn your skills?
I was taught to sew by my grandmother at age 10, but I later honed my skills professionally by completing my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design at Kent State University in Kent, OH, USA.
I was taught to sew by my grandmother at age 10, but I later honed my skills professionally by completing my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design at Kent State University in Kent, OH, USA.
Who are you as a designer? Aesthetic? Customer? Brand?
At the heart of "Lucky Boy" is transformation—both personal and collective. This collection is about breaking through limiting beliefs and realizing that we are all lucky in our own way—through growth, opportunity, and self-evolution. "Lucky Boy" challenges traditional ideas of masculinity by celebrating a softer, more authentic version of strength, rooted in vulnerability and honesty. It’s about acknowledging the interconnectedness of our mental, emotional, and physical selves. I believe that true transformation comes when we approach life holistically, shedding old limitations and embracing every part of who we are. Through this collection, I hope to encourage others to embrace this holistic approach to self-expression, to be grateful for the present, and to step into a more authentic, empowered version of themselves.
What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?
The easiest parts of the process for me are the curation, visual presentation, and actual designing and constructing of pieces. However, pattern making is something I need to practice more to feel more comfortable, and I’m also working to develop my skills in constructing more complex designs.
Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is color to your design process?
My Kentucky roots influence the collection, with Southern traditions and the stories passed down through generations playing a big role. Time spent on my Aunt’s horse farm in Versailles, Kentucky, and the ancestral tales shared by my great aunt helped me understand the pressures and expectations that have shaped many lives. These experiences sparked a desire to embrace a new perspective—one that values self-expression, vulnerability, and personal growth.
Color plays a significant role in my design process. I tend to gravitate toward neutral or subtle tones to reflect the importance of minimalism and naturalism, which are core values in my work. I believe these muted tones help create a sense of balance and quiet strength, allowing the wearer’s true essence to shine through without distraction.
I want to mention FeltLoom at the Textile Creative Center in Carlisle Kentucky where I created many of the sustainable textiles, along with Changgu Fashion Leather (handbags) and KOMETAB LAB (jewelry) who provided the accessories for my show. .
Do you have a favorite look in this collection?
It’s tough to pick a favorite, but I’m particularly drawn to the Crop Jacket and fur chap shorts, which feature a textile I created from deadstock cotton batting, denim shoddy, and heirloom lace tablecloths. I also really love the long flared star coat and star pants made from felting secondhand wool suiting pants with pops of denim shoddy. These pieces hold a lot of meaning for me, as they combine both personal creativity and sustainable practices. Additionally, some of my favorite pieces in the collection are the horsebit and leather harnesses, which I collaborated on with my cousin Katie Ensor. These pieces are a subtle nod to the significance of the horse industry in Kentucky, particularly the Kentucky Derby, but they push the narrative forward in a more innovative way, allowing them to resonate with an international audience.
While I’m particularly drawn to Copenhagen, Denmark, for its design philosophies and lifestyle, I want to make sure my work is seen and appreciated internationally. Copenhagen will be an inspiring place to continue my exposure and discover new sources of inspiration, but I’m not limiting myself to one location. I’m open to finding opportunities and collaborations worldwide.
In the future, I envision Lucky Boy evolving into a brand that not only challenges traditional fashion but also fosters a deeper connection to our true selves. My goal is for Lucky Boy to inspire personal transformation and empowerment, helping individuals embrace their unique journeys and feel seen. The brand will continue to explore a more authentic and expansive version of masculinity—blending vulnerability with strength and creating space for people to express their truest selves without limitation.
I also see Lucky Boy as a brand deeply rooted in the belief that fashion can be a tool for self-discovery and growth. I’m fascinated by neurology and neuroplasticity—the idea that our minds are malleable and capable of transformation when we challenge limiting beliefs. Lucky Boy isn’t just about garments; it’s about encouraging a mindset shift—helping people embrace the beauty of being human, flaws and all, while fostering a sustainable path forward. Just as we can rewire our minds, fashion can reflect that process of reinvention and empowerment.
In the future, I envision Lucky Boy evolving into a brand that not only challenges traditional fashion but also fosters a deeper connection to our true selves. My goal is for Lucky Boy to inspire personal transformation and empowerment, helping individuals embrace their unique journeys and feel seen. The brand will continue to explore a more authentic and expansive version of masculinity—blending vulnerability with strength and creating space for people to express their truest selves without limitation.
I also see Lucky Boy as a brand deeply rooted in the belief that fashion can be a tool for self-discovery and growth. I’m fascinated by neurology and neuroplasticity—the idea that our minds are malleable and capable of transformation when we challenge limiting beliefs. Lucky Boy isn’t just about garments; it’s about encouraging a mindset shift—helping people embrace the beauty of being human, flaws and all, while fostering a sustainable path forward. Just as we can rewire our minds, fashion can reflect that process of reinvention and empowerment.
Sustainability plays a central role in this vision. I want to create garments that reflect both personal and environmental growth. Through innovative textiles like “Deniim”—a fabric made by needle-felting repurposed denim and cotton—and using materials like burlap and lace, I aim for each piece to embody the values of resilience, authenticity, and mindfulness. Lucky Boy is about creating garments that not only stand the test of time in terms of quality but also encourage a deeper connection to both ourselves and the planet. Ultimately, I want the brand to inspire people to live more intentionally and authentically.
In closing is there anything else you'd like to share with readers?
I’d just like to remind everyone that fashion is more than what we wear—it’s a reflection of who we are and a tool for personal transformation. Through Lucky Boy, I hope to inspire others to embrace their own journey, break free from old limitations, and express themselves authentically. We are all worthy of our limitless potential, and as we continue to evolve, I’m excited to bring more collections that challenge conventions, push boundaries, and encourage growth, both in ourselves and the world around us. Thank you for supporting this journey.
Links -
- Website - www.linktr.ee/francesbrunner
- LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/frances-brunner-671928190
- Instagram - @franbrunner3
- Youtube - www.youtube.com/@francesbrunner2954
Comments
Post a Comment