Melbourne designer Libby Skender has found her niche in custom, upcycled denim creations
IMAGE VIA @LIBBY_SKENDER/INSTAGRAM
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“Custom pieces that celebrate individuality with a punk-yet-elegant twist.”
When it comes to an age-old wardrobe classic like denim, it’s not easy to reinvent the wheel. Each era offers its own iteration of the classic blue jeans, from the pubic-grazing bedazzled flares of the 2000s to mid-rise mum jeans of the ’90s. For Melbourne designer Libby Skender, her point of difference lies in chopping and changing the denim of years gone by.
Growing up in country WA, Libby had a strong sense of style and a serious lack of wardrobe options, with the closest shopping centre three hours away. “I spent hours curating my wardrobe by upcycling pieces sourced from nearby op shops,” she says. “My bedroom floor was covered in vintage curtains, cut-up fabrics and pieces of clothing (not much has changed).”
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After moving to Melbourne to pursue fashion, Libby started spending hours deconstructing secondhand denim into skirts, handbags, hats and more. The custom order requests came quickly, and she realised the “gap in the market” for one-off, punky denim pieces. Below, Libby speaks on the journey so far.
Tell us about you. What’s your fashion background?
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I grew up in a country town on the South West Coast of WA, in a very creative and passionate home. My dad is a blacksmith who designs the most amazing iron furniture and sculptures. I am so inspired by him and everything that he does.
When I was growing up, I would play in his workshop creating iron sculptures and jewellery. I always thought I would become a jeweller or take over the family business and become a blacksmith. He always told me, “You will never work a day in your life if you love and are passionate about what you do”.
From a very young age, I always had a strong vision of what my style was and what I wanted to wear. I didn’t have a lot of options as the closest shops were three hours away from where I lived. I spent hours curating my wardrobe by up-cycling pieces sourced from nearby op shops. My bedroom floor was covered in vintage curtains, cut-up fabrics and pieces of clothing (not much has changed).
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When I was 10, my dad took me to Spotlight, and together we sourced my first patterns and fabrics. He taught me how to properly sew and read a pattern. From there, I was hooked! I didn’t have much exposure to the fashion industry or insight into the opportunities available.
When I finished school, I moved to Sydney and interned with Sir the Label. The experiences I gained fulfilling my roles in this internship opened my eyes to what opportunities were out there. I knew this was where I needed to be, so I decided to study fashion.
How did the label get started? Talk us through the process and the challenges.
Without realising it, Libby Skender Designs (LSD) started when I was in high school. Not only was I op-shopping to curate my wardrobe, but I started to become aware of the environmental impact of the fashion industry. I decided to start making up-cycled clothing and accessories for my close friends and family.
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After I finished my studies and moved to Melbourne, I finally had the time to start making clothes for my friends again. I would spend (and still do spend) hours at night and in my spare time making up-cycled denim skirts from jeans we no longer wore.
Every time we wore our skirts out, I would receive multiple custom orders and it slowly started evolving from there. I realised there was a gap in the market for good quality upcycled clothing. Libby Skender Designs officially launched in January 2023.
I individually source the denim from op shops around Naarm. I then carefully plan and design each piece, based around the vintage denim, and finish it off with hand embroidery. Every upcycled piece is a one-of-a-kind item with its own individuality.
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There is something so special about creating and selling one-of-a-kind pieces and making custom items for my customers. I form a connection to every skirt I design and create. I’m so happy when I receive a message from a customer saying they love their new LSD piece or when I see my customers wearing them out and on social platforms.
It definitely hasn’t been easy and it is a massive commitment trying to juggle work, my business and my self-care. Every spare second I have goes towards my brand. I do absolutely everything on my own and it always takes twice as long as expected. I need to keep reminding myself to take well-needed breaks to reset and recharge.
What were you trying to achieve from the project at the time? How has this evolved and what are you trying to communicate through the brand now?
The focus of the brand is individuality, inclusivity and sustainability. I want everyone who owns a Libby Skender piece to feel amazing in it every single time they wear it… I want everyone to feel included no matter what body type or gender.
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I think that’s the special thing about making a custom one-of-a-kind piece for someone. It’s designed and made for you!
There’s so much waste in this world and I don’t want to be another brand that contributes to that. I hope that my pieces will forever be treasured in someone’s wardrobe.
The brand is still young and there is still so much to learn. I hope that people can always approach me and educate me on how I can improve my brand… there is still so much to come, which is so exciting! I will be moving into production while adhering to my strong focus on sustainability.
I have a very exciting collaboration in the works with one of my best friends that I am so excited to share with you. I am so inspired by people so I hope that as the brand keeps evolving and growing, I can continue to collaborate with others who inspire me.
How would you describe your label to someone who’s never seen it before?
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One-of-a-kind custom pieces that celebrate… individuality with a punk-yet-elegant twist.
What are you most proud of in your work on your label?
I am so proud of myself for starting my own label! I’ve always dreamt of starting my own brand but I did not expect it to be happening now. It has started and grown so organically which reassures me that I am on the right path.
It is such a big leap and it has taken a lot of mental energy to let go of my vulnerability, to show the world what I have to offer and hope that others like my vision. I am so proud of myself that I have started this journey. If someone told my 16-year-old self that I would be here answering questions for Fashion Journal, I would not believe them!
What do you wish you knew when you started?
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Honestly, I am still figuring this out. I’m learning so much every day but I’m definitely realising that this is all on me. I’m the only one that can make this happen, so I need to keep motivated and determined… this is sometimes easier said than done. I constantly have people reminding me that not everything happens overnight and things take time. Enjoy the ride and don’t put too much pressure on yourself.
What about the AU/NZ fashion industry needs to change?
I think the fashion industry has come a long way, but there’s still so much growth that needs to be done. For me, size inclusivity is a big one. There are so many different types of bodies out there and as a designer/brand, I think we all have a responsibility to try as hard as we possibly can to make everyone feel included.
Who is in your wardrobe right now?
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My wardrobe is still filled with secondhand/vintage clothing. I do a lot of shopping through secondhand markets around Melbourne such as Second Life. But when I’m not wearing vintage or Libby Skender Designs, it’s Karlaidlaw!
How can we buy one of your pieces?
At the moment I’m selling through Instagram DM and Depop but I have a website coming very soon, so keep your eyes peeled… I also hold a stall at Second Life Markets every season.
You can follow Libby for more here.
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