WEARINGIRISH showcases top designers/brands from Ireland. In this series, meet the designers and hear their stories. Here Margaret chats with Ruza Leko of Leko and Leko. Visit lekoandleko.com for more!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND. Growing up in war-torn Croatia, opportunities were rare and the atmosphere gloomy. I travelled to Ireland, studied here, and have worked as a designer since. One day I made a necklace while upcycling an old belt, which inspired my father to work with me on developing more ideas. WHAT WAS THE MOST DEFINING MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER? My first full-time job as an in-house designer at Science Gallery. The position ultimately shaped how I work, think, and problem solve. Working with talented and diverse people over the years motivated me to create my projects. WHAT’S YOUR AMBITION FOR YOUR BRAND? I would love to see Leko & Leko jewellery featured in more galleries and exhibitions, both here and abroad. HOW YOU WOULD DEFINE THE HEART AND SOUL OF YOUR BRAND? Leko & Leko pieces are dark, yet elegant and delicate, echoing the nature of the material—5,000-year-old bog-oak.
WHERE DOES YOUR BRAND NAME COME FROM? Leko & Leko is a brand designed and made by father/daughter duo, Ivan Leko and Ruza Leko. WHAT INSPIRES YOU ABOUT THE WEARINGIRISH MOVEMENT? In a society crowded by an impersonal fast fashion industry, the Wearingirish movement shifts the motivation to buying something if you love it, if you need it, and you know how it is made. WHO DO YOU WANT TO WEAR IRISH? Everyone with good taste! TAKE US THROUGH YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS. I start by sketching out ideas, after which I meet my dad to work on new pieces a few times each year. We make several versions until we are pleased with the design. Working in bog-oak can be slow, but it is always rewarding to see the finished pieces. HOW DOES A SENSE OF PLACE INFORM YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS— SPECIFICALLY IRELAND? For me, Ireland is a good place. I feel good here. Attitudes, opportunities and humor, it all affects my own sense of place, how I feel and therefore the work I produce. WHAT DOES BEING IRISH MEAN TO YOU AND IN WHAT WAY HAS IT INFLUENCED YOUR CREATIONS? As a Croatian national living in Ireland for the last 17 years, Ireland is now my home and has influenced me tremendously—check out the material I use! MOST COVETED ITEM IN YOUR COLLECTION? The Gaia pendant! THREE THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT? My dogs, yoga, and nature. YOUR GO-TO STYLING TRICK? Wearing simple combinations of black, white, and grey works for me and my jewellery. TELL US ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW THAT I DIDN’T ASK. I have 47 house plants.