Fashioning Fabric

Being Neighbourly x Lola Clavel, Founder, Lola Clavel Atelier

Author/ Being Neighbourly
16 April 2025

Whether in costume-making, bespoke tailoring, or developing new designs, I believe that perseverance is what ultimately shapes a designer’s success,” says Lola Clavel, Founder of Lola Clavel Atelier in Sheung Wan.

The atelier in question is bathed in natural light and features a large cutting table, sewing machines and racks displaying her latest creations as well, bien sur, a dedicated fitting room. It’s a creative space which clients visit by appointment—for fittings, consultations, or, tantalizingly, “to explore new designs”. Clavel’s indispensable pattern-making tools: drafting paper, rulers, tailor’s chalk, surround her, “This is where a concept begins to take form, evolving from an idea into a tangible piece.” These tools,” she says, gesturing in the direction of her accoutrements, “provide the precision needed to shape a design, while allowing room for creativity to flow organically.”

Originally from Bordeaux, in the southwest of France. Clavel studied costume design, pattern making and tailoring in Paris, where she worked for the Paris Opera House and in film and theatre.

Be this as it may, Clavel wanted more. “While France has a rich artistic and cultural scene, I felt a strong desire to explore beyond familiar surroundings and experience different ways of working,” she shares.

Her curiosity led her Down Under, to Sydney, where she lived for four years, before she eventually settled in Hong Kong, a city which, she says, continues to inspire her with its, “dynamic energy and creative opportunities”.

“I believe it essential to explore how different cultures approach design and craftsmanship. Traveling and immersing myself in new environments has not only expanded my skill set, but shaped my creative perspective and made me more adaptable,” she opines, adding that stepping out of her comfort zone has led to new ways of thinking, and connected her to all sorts. “These things naturally influence my aesthetic, blending techniques and inspirations from the places I’ve lived and worked.”

These days, Clavel says she’s loving Setchu, a brand by Japanese designer Satoshi Kuwata, “for its clean, yet cleverly constructed cutting lines”, as well as the work of Roberts Wood, “who has an amazing approach to textile manipulation —two very different inspirations, but both incredibly innovative in their approach and craftsmanship,” she says.

Yet, whatever the inspirations of her creative career might be at any given time, some things remain: Clavel is still actively working in costume design, recently completing costumes for the opening of the Picasso exhibition at M+ Museum, and confides that she has more exciting projects lined up this year.

“I strongly believe that fashion and costume design are interconnected, and many fashion designers have, in fact, also created for the stage. For me, joy comes from designing clothing, whether for performers or for everyday people.”

Does she design clothing for herself? She says she absolutely does, adding it to be the ultimate way of communicating her design perspectives to the public.

According to her, the same principles are involved in designing for the public as for characters on the stage, and she creates archetypes for everyday wear that in costume design are derived from each written character. “I approach designing everyday wear by understanding an individual’s unique traits and how clothing can amplify their personal narrative. Rather than focusing on a stage persona, I consider their lifestyle and personality,” Clavel shares.

“For creatives, I design expressive, distinctive pieces that reflect their individuality, while remaining functional. For those who prefer understated elegance, I use clean lines, refined textures and timeless details that convey quiet confidence.”

“The most important tool I work with is my hands,” she says. “As a designer, I deeply value the tactile experience of working with fabric—manipulating it, draping it and bringing it to life through different techniques. There’s something personal about physically connecting with a material and watching it transform into something that tells a story.”

“It’s going to be a dynamic year,” she predicts.

Lola Clavel’s Capsule Collection Japonaiserie Jackets are selling at Sogo Kai Tak until April 24th 2025.

What’s the best work advice you have received?

“One of the best pieces of advice I’ve ever received came from Patrick Lebreton, a master tailor, during my final year project at costume school,” says Lola Clavel, Founder of Lola Clavel Atelier.

“He told me to be perseverant and work hard, emphasizing that talent is part of a myth—without dedication and effort, nothing happens.”

“Patrick shared a story about the first pair of trousers he made, which, according to him, were a complete disaster!”

“Hearing this from someone so skilled and experienced was incredibly reassuring. It reminded me that no one is born knowing everything; craftsmanship is built through patience, mistakes and persistence. This perspective has stayed with me throughout my career, pushing me to continuously learn, refine my techniques and trust the process.”

Lola Clavel Atelier Ltd
8F Unit B, Rice Merchant Building
77-78 Connaught Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.