Lucky’s Dream Vita

„Lucky“ de Luca – about a guy who goes out into the world to make people happy with his fashion. He was born in the early seventies in idyllic Santa Maria close to Naples as son of a Neapolitan sculptor / artist metalworker and a seamstress from Rome. When he is five years old his family moves to Little Italy. His life around legendary Mulberry Street is like a movie. It seems as no coincidence that Robert de Niro and Martin Scorsese grew up here too. Back in the old days there were 40,000 people from Southern Italy who lived in downtown Manhattan. Lucky loves the turbulent goings-on in his shady quarter in downtown Manhattan. He also loves hell’s kitchen in Midtown West Manhattan, originally the quarter of Irish immigrants between 34th and 37th street. Decades later Lucky will incorporate these influences into his fashion. Therefore, typical Irish clover have decorated his label as of his first own collection in 2005.

On Hudson River Lucky is impressed by the view on arcade-like bridges. Brooklyn Bridge over East River is also influences him. These impressions crucially define his idea/concept of beauty. His parents call him Lucky, by the way, because he always comes home from his rambles with a smile in his rascal face. Neapolitan love songs of Renato Carusone or Massimo Ranieri, the smell of fresh gnocchi, pasta, pizza and red wine are deeply ingrained in his memory before he leaves America as an eleven-year-old.

His father obtained large orders in Germany through contacts with New York gallery owners. As eldest son Lucky accompanies his father to Munich. Soon after they go on to Sent in the Engadin region in Switzerland. Deeply moved by nature, enormous mountains and fascinating snow he starts snowboarding. Blessed with an incredible talent for motion he soon becomes one of the best boarders and a trendsetter on snow- and skateboard. He makes a name of himself as a teacher for snowboarding and surfing. In summer he accompanies tourists and hikers through the Engadin region as a mountain guide.

Lucky does not have to worry about his outfit. Famous brands provide him with their newest collections. However, again and again he discovers shortcomings in pants and tops like fabrics which soak like a sponge; ugly colours; failed designs or cuts. Lucky passes down each opportunity for improvement to his outfitters – and they thankfully embrace his advice. However, it is clear to Lucky that he can do what they do – only better. He goes to fabric fairs all over the world and works for well-known labels as a trend scout. He travels to Hamburg, Düsseldorf, London and Florence.

In 2005 he creates his first own collection: Lucky de Luca is born. Brought into being by a self-taught person, who – away from the detached and unloved fashion trade - only wants one thing: bring love of life turned into fabric into shops! He purchases organic cotton from sustainable production and free from pollutants only. Manufacturers who exploit children or do not have their own sewage plant are rejected as partners. He is also choosy regarding distribution. Only the hippest shops worldwide sell his collections, including Harvey Nicols and Bloomingdales in Dubai. The highlight is without doubt the newest Lucky de Luca-presentation of Bloomingdales in the highest building in the world, 826 meters high Burj Chalifa.

Bon vivant Lucky uses his name quite intentionally as brand name. Lucky de Luca is authentic. It is his philosophy of life. People wearing his fashion shall feel comfortable and at best forget their troubles. Small design details like patches and stitches, pin up girls and boys in hidden spots or on buttons stand for positive energy and luck. All parts originate from Lucky’s cosmopolitan fantasy. Only his own ideas and elements from diverse cultures are incorporated in his product line. Role models and followers are alien to him. He loves music, nature, delicious food, social and cosmopolitan life. He wants his fashion to be beautiful in a noncommercial way. Everyone should have his exceptional favourite shirt to give comfort even when suffering from the worst lovesickness: the world will go on – and better yet and happier! É che bella la vita!