Brand to know
We're putting a spotlight on our coveted up-and-coming brands. This week: Le Toit
Le Toit
Newly launched London-based label Le Toit (‘roof’ in French) takes inspiration from architectural forms, producing structured clothing with a minimalist aesthetic. The result: tailored dressing perfect for the modern businesswoman. Its dresses, blazers, vests and skirts feature considered details such as ruched cut-outs and feminine flairs, which, together with soft and easy fabrics like silk and linen, add a soft undertone to an otherwise structured collection.
The brand’s founder and designer Fendi Xu, who currently resides in Weihai, eastern China, launched the brand in March after completing a fashion design course at University of the Arts London. Xu looks up to designers such as Maison Margiela and Yoji Yamamoto, as well as Korean brands including Push Button, and she draws from a mix of influences – including Western and Korean styles. “I want to embrace feminine details but also have people feel empowered by the clothes they wear,” she enthuses during our Zoom call. With a summer collection launching in September, Xu hopes Le Toit can attract customers with the same views about fashion.
Here, Xu talks us through four of her top picks.
Ilia Carved Blazer
“This is my favourite piece in the collection. I took a lot of inspiration from architectural structures for this collection, and this is the piece that best embodies that. The open back wasn’t originally part of the design. We had the blazer already but it wasn’t quite what I wanted, so I drew on the blazer and then we cut it.”
Marta Oversized Trench Coat
“I like something that is well made and timeless and that gives you confidence while wearing the piece. The trench coat can be worn with a vest which adds another layer. It’s quite loose on the body, but with the vest it becomes a sharp structure. This trench coat comes in a military green colour, taupe and black. I prefer neutral colours – it’s not so trendy and it doesn’t go out of date. I think this coat goes with everything. You can either wear it with a simple slip dress or a top and pair of jeans.”
Josephine Carved Waist Dress
“I decided on designing a dress that was flowy but fitted at the same time. I wanted to add [a point of difference] to it – that’s where the carved part came in. This comes in a linen sand colour and navy silk fabric. You can either wear it to a formal event at work or daily because the fabric is quite casual.”
Iris Belt Vest
“I took the carved shape from the blazer but then I wanted to add a military vibe to it. I wanted the structure to be more three-dimensional. I wanted a garment where the wearer would feel that the structure was strong and empowering. The vest is a bit like a piece of armour in that sense. And it’s quite easy to style. You can wear it with a shirt or over a coat.”