Creative Industry Finance

Founded by Louise Markey, a former fabric shop worker turned Central Saint Martin’s Graduate, LF Markey is a London based luxury brand for the elegant but practical woman. She tells us:

“I studied Fashion Design in Sydney before moving to the UK to work for renowned fashion house Burberry. After completing my Masters of Fashion Design at Central St Martins, I consulted for a few luxury labels before turning my attention solely to my business.

“LF Markey designs beautiful clothes for practical women. I take inspiration from utility work-wear and create minimal, feminine interpretations, often in bright colours and natural fibers.

‘’I came to Creative Industry Finance when I had depleted my own savings. It is very difficult to work out how to fund a fashion label, a business which is typically very cash-hungry in the start-up years.

“Without the support of the programme, it would have been impossible to grow to where I am now. My advisor Nigel Rust, helped me get my business and financial plans in order, so I had a clearer understanding of how my business works and what steps to take next.

“Gaining my first big orders after taking the punt to work full time on my label was an extremely proud moment for me. It is so satisfying to see a big risk pay off.

“The past few months I have seen the business grow more quickly and there have been lots of exciting developments across the brand. I hope in the next five years I will have my own store.”