Lulu LaFortune

“Every piece in the collection is limited edition, handmade, and of heirloom quality meant to be enjoyed in the present, but passed on to future generations.”

Los Angeles-based designer Lulu LaFortunes' debut collection, Joie de Vivre, includes colorful, hand-crafted furniture and lighting designs inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement.

“Every piece in the collection is limited edition, handmade, and of heirloom quality- meant to be enjoyed in the present, but passed on to future generations. ‘Joie de Vivre’ embodies the spirit of my first collection, and serves as a gentle reminder to find joy in all daily things, great or small.”

Where are you from and where do you live?
I am from Boulder, Colorado. I grew up outdoors. From exploring the woods next our cabin to sleeping under the stars at 12,000 ft - my childhood is a montage of pine trees and freshly cut green grass with the Dixie Chicks “Wide Open Spaces” playing in the background...I’m kidding (kind of). I think that is why I gravitated towards LA- I moved to NYC and just couldn’t do it, I literally lasted 6 weeks. I didn’t like that I couldn’t see the horizon line or any open space (okay now that song is just stuck in my head), but I did, however, love the energy. With this in mind, there is no surprise that LA really clicked with me. It's exciting, the design and art scene is growing, and an escape out of the city to the great outdoors is easy. 

Why LA? Favorite and least favorite thing about living there?
I love LA because of the incredible diversity and, as cheesy as it sounds- the endless opportunity. So many things have happened to me in the last three years that literally would never have happened to me anywhere else. The downside? Price per sq/ft. 

What is the driving force behind your designs? I specialize in bringing handcrafted techniques into modern 21st-century furniture design. I believe that craftsmanship within home decor should be heavily considered as it is integral to the longevity and timelessness of any design. My collection is dedicated to designing your next heirloom. Starting with craftsmanship, each piece is a balance of unique materials, impeccable fabrication, and bold design. All furniture is designed with the classics in mind and infused with youthful energy, a juxtaposition that allows the pieces to stand out today while also standing the test of time.

How did Joie de Vivre come to fruition? Launching my own brand has been a thought that has danced around my head for many years. Following my Mother’s advice, I began to work with Kelly Wearstler, which was an incredible experience, and one that helped me launch my solo career. I created my first collection during the height of Covid while quarantining in LA- focusing on the small, but meaningful moments in daily life that spark joy. Design elements that speak to my soul include fringe, patterns, colors, and colored glass. Fortuitously, Maximalism and Craftsmanship are currently en vogue so it was truly a “now or never” moment for me.

What are your favorite design destinations in Los Angeles? I would recommend starting on the Westside, visiting the Hotel Proper in Santa Monica. I love to see the pieces of furniture I created while working with Kelly Wearstler on this hotel’s design. I would continue on to Malibu, stopping off at the Getty Villa to view their amazing 18th-century French collections. Moving East, I would visit the Chateau Marmont for coffee and gelato- perhaps combined as an affogato? Later, I would settle in at The Nomad bar downtown for a classic cocktail. I love the beautifully designed lobby and the great rooftop view! While downtown, I would pop by the flower market to create bouquets for the house. Finally, I would spend some time in Highland park visiting Owl Bureau perusing the incredible selection of design books.

Favorite online interior design shopping sites?
I recommend looking at the “new to order” section of 1st Dibs to discover new designers and artists.

What are some timeless design pieces?
To me, timeless means something that is adaptable, so I might recommend a Jean Royer Baltique dining chair that could be reupholstered or copper cookware that will only get more beautiful with age.

Favorite designers? Fashion or Design.
I don’t have a favorite! I look more at styles and moods rather than specific individuals.

In product design, do certain pieces go through multiple artisans or typically just one?
It really depends on the piece! In the case of my designs, the lampshade was made by a stained glass artist, while another vendor mills the aluminum. As the base is a raw-metal, it then goes to another vendor to powder-coat the base. Once that is complete, I take it to an electrician to wire the lights and attach the hardware.

Favorite architectural or design spots in LA? Obviously, there are so many, but to me the one that has a special place in my heart (even though I have only been twice) is the Flamingo Estate. There is something about that house that just makes my heart fill with joy! Maybe it's because the last party I attended there had a woman singing “I will always love you” and everyone in the room joined in the singing. Or maybe it's the fact that it is chock-full of phenomenal objects and spectacular interior design- who’s to say.

Who or what inspires you? I don't really have anything specific that I can pinpoint honestly. I am typically just inspired by everything I absorb if that makes sense. My designs are typically just a melting pot of different styles, techniques, and materials that bring me joy and catch my attention. I'm inspired by happiness and joy, that might be cheesy, but it's true!

When did you know you wanted to become a designer? I wanted to be a fashion designer when I was in middle school and all through high school. I always knew I wanted to be creative because that is all I was really good at growing up. I would also work really hard in classes and try my hardest, but could never manage to get more than a solid B in any class except art, so that is just where I put all my energy. It wasn't until I got to SCAD, that I pivoted toward furniture design, interior design, and textile design and it really just all clicked. I had always loved rearranging my room, space planning, and even deconstructing old furniture to create other pieces of furniture. So when I got to school all these things I had always done in my life just came together into a profession that I didn’t even think existed.

Daily uniform while designing? Oh - if it is truly just me in the studio designing, then jeans and a crewneck sweatshirt, but typically it's inside out so you can't see any logos. IF I do have meetings then jeans, a cute blouse, and fun shoes.

Favorite and least favorite part of the design process? I really love it all! Obviously, the fun part for most designers is the concept, the inspiration images, and the material selections and while those are always a blast I think my favorite part is talking with the craftsman and the vendors about how we are going to take my design and make it into a reality. However; with that, I loathe 3D modeling.

Favorite design movement and/or designer? Hmm. I am currently obsessed with 17th-century furniture. I am in love with the fact that a piece of furniture can have that level of intricacy and ornate design while still proudly exemplifying a very specific function.

Favorite museums or galleries? I would say that my favorite museum is The Getty because I am more interested in Rococo works and art that were completed in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. While I love modern art and appreciate it- I find it inspiring that artists could create works of art that are so ornate and complicated while using nothing more than their two hands.

Next travel destination? A friend of mine has always spoken so highly of Morocco and he recently showed me this fabulous book with images of interiors and architecture from there and now I can not stop thinking about it!

What is your idea of perfect happiness? My idea of perfect happiness is to always be working, but on things that make you so happy that you don't even feel like you're working. I am never one to sit down and relax. I love working and I love to be doing something or have a project going at all times.

What is your greatest extravagance? While this does seem to be the most basic answer it is unfortunately true- shoes. I tend to always spend a little extra if the shoes “spark joy!”

What is your current state of mind? I tend to always live in this world that's in my head. While I am very aware of my surroundings and whatnot I have been told I surface, and come back to the real world, every four days or so. But I am always very level-headed and happy, stress and negative things throughout my day don’t affect my day. I just move on. I don't like to surround myself with people who are negative or bring drama into my life. I keep it simple and march to the beat of my own drum.

What is the quality you most like in a man? Resourcefulness

What is the quality you most like in a woman? Independence.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? “In hindsight” - I am always learning!

What or who is the greatest love of your life? Creativity.

Best restaurants in LA? The chicken and waffles from A.O.C are from another world and I think about them constantly.

What is a typical weekday/weekend? Currently, there is not a huge difference between the two. I work during the week and then I am working on personal projects on the weekend. My partner and I always have something we are working on. He is working on building an engine of a BMW while also creating incredible works of art, and I am working on gardening and launching a collection of furniture- it’s nonstop at this house!

What scent do you wear or do you burn candles in the studio? I am more likely to have perfume on than to be burning candles. I always forget to buy candles when I am out. I am currently wearing “ROZU” by Aesop but I recently purchased “JOY” by Jean Patou- my grandmother used to wear this perfume and with the launch of my collection “Joie De Vivre” I felt like it was the perfect little present for myself.

Favorite film or most inspiring for its design? I mean where do I begin? I am inspired by anything that brings me joy. The Sound Of Music- the house. My Fair Lady- the set. Maire Antonette- the costumes. Little Women- the plot. Amelie- the dialogue. You get the idea.

Favorite author/book? What are you reading now? I am currently reading “The Best of Me” by David Sedaris. But I listen to the Harry Potter audiobooks- “Read to you by Jim Dale” every year. They never get old.

Favorite heirlooms or most treasured possessions and why? My most treasured possession is probably a little painting of a strawberry that my grandmother painted for me before she passed. It always hangs by my workstation as I think about her impeccable taste and timeless style when I design.

Explain your design process? I typically design something based on the material or craft I am inspired by. Once I have pinpointed that I begin to work it into the mood that I want to create or convey.

If you could collaborate or work with anyone who would it be? I would love to collaborate with a fashion designer. Like Christopher John Rogers or Gucci- Ha! Dream big? Right?

What else should we know about you?
When I was 10 I furnished a Teepee in the mountains with what I now know to be vintage Arne Norell, and I lived in it for a  summer.

Text: Veronica H. Speck Photos: Angie Stong Follow: @lulu.lafortune