Cordê Couture founder and designer Lea Oldjohn hand-knots every centimetre of her intricate, beautiful garments; completing a full dress takes thousands of hours.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
“I did nearly two years of research and development before I launched [Cordê Couture]. And have been learning more as I go along,” Lea says, when asked about why she chose to focus on the handicraft of macrame.
“I started this brand five years ago, but I’ve been creating since I was around 15 years old; it has always been in my blood.
“I’ve been working in fashion since I left school in one form or another,” explains Lea (pictured above). “[First] I started with my own label, then I moved into working for other designers as their designer and pattern maker. [Finally] I thought it was about time I started my own business!”
After deciding to relaunch, Lea says she wanted her new work to be “unlike anything I had done before”. The brand’s name comes from the French for ‘rope’, the main material she works with.
THE CORDÊ COUTURE CONCEPT
According to Lea, Cordê Couture was created to “give people a different point of view about fashion, it is about slowing down and creating something that is ‘couture’ with a very basic material”.
Lea says that the brand’s aesthetic is focused on “exquisite craftsmanship”.
“This aesthetic emphasises detailed and intricate craftsmanship. Garments are hand-knotted and feature elaborate embellishments, showcasing the physical skill and artistry of the designer.
“Overall, the Cordê Couture aesthetic is a celebration of artistry, elegance, and individuality in fashion, characterised by its detailed craftsmanship, luxurious materials, and unique design narratives.”
Each one-off garment Lea creates uses cord made from recycled fast fashion clothing. These pieces are not only unique, they are future family heirlooms. Removed from ‘trends’, a Cordê Couture garment should be treated more like a piece of fine jewellery.
Lea says that “the medium of rope has endless possibilities, and each creation is a new handcrafting challenge”. Using a range of macrame and other traditional knots, Lea says she always has new ideas.
Alongside her garments, Lea also makes lovely bags, bowls and other homewares using rope that is custom made in Melbourne from Australian-grown cotton.
Moving forward, Lea says that she wants to “continue to do things that surprise my clients and to keep pushing myself to produce amazing pieces”.
Discover more about Lea’s work at cordemacrame.com/collections/wearables and follow her on Instagram at @corde_couture_
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