Leanne Sklar-Chik is the 22-year-old LISOF graduate whose work Live features in our Issue Nine fashion editorial.

LVJ stands for Leanne Valerie Jean, the designer’s first and middle names. Born to a Baptist minister father and doctor mother, and following on from her two older brothers (a chiropractor and an engineer), Leanne began her tertiary studies in a B.Comm in 2010. By 2011, however, Leanne’s vocation had called, and she swapped over to Johannesburg’s highly-rated LISOF to study fashion design, where she graduated in 2013.

Her technical roots obviously stood the designer in good stead as she took away a prize for best student in Pattern Making and Garment Construction during her studies.

Leanne’s attention to construction is obvious in her garments, with a focus on structural elements such as quilting and piping, and architectural fabrics like upholsteries and PVC.  The designer confesses to a penchant for mens wear, and during our shoot Live’s photographer Siya fell deeply in love with this stunning sweater.

“When actions are infused with joy, what we create becomes art”

One of Leanne’s favourite quotes reveals a true joy and passion in the young designer. Leanne is currently working with a major retailer but expect the next LVJ collection to take you by storm. The ambitious and dedicated Joburg resident has her heart set on changing the fashion industry – and Live can’t wait to see how.

*For more information contact the designer: leannesklarchik@gmail.com