London-based designer Markus Lupfer graduated from the University of Westminster with a first-class honours degree, in 1997. Thanks to his unique style and the artful way Lupfer refreshes everyday basics, the German-born designer didn’t wait long for commercial success. His critically acclaimed final year collection was immediately bought by fashion boutique Koh Samui. And shortly after that he was awarded the New Generation Award, in 2001, allowing him to show the label that bears his name.
Markus Lupfer became a regular on the London Fashion Week schedule until February
2003, before joining Spanish fashion house Armand Basi in 2006, where he was design
director until 2009.
Lupfer’s attention to detail and ground breaking use of fabric has captured the attention of many brands, including Topshop. In 1999 he was at the vanguard of designers to create capsule collections for the high street Mecca – which he continues to do to this day.
Lupfer’s innovative designs have also created opportunities for collaborations and
consultancy projects with Ruffo, Cacharel, Mulberry, and, of course, Armand Basi One womenswear – which he turned into a must-see London Fashion Week show.
In 2008 Markus Lupfer won ‘Best Designer of the Year’, at the Prix de la Mode Awards, in Spain. Lupfer is acclaimed for his exceptional knitwear and inspired approach to jersey tailoring. His innovative use of print and experimentation with embroidery, and graphic embellishment, continues to earn him a devoted celebrity following, with fans including Roisin Murphy, Daisy Lowe and Lily Allen.
The Markus Lupfer label was launched in Selfridges earlier this year, and is shifting faster than it can be replenished. With ever increasing sales and extensive press attention the brand continues to grow internationally, selling to exclusive boutiques and department stores worldwide. These include Net-a-Porter.com, Colette in Paris and Lane Crawford in Hong Kong.
Markus Lupfer’s experimental and exceptional approach to sequinned embroidery has won him fans the world over. Particularly, straight talking fashion journalist Sarah Mower who recognizes the cult fan base Lupfer is quickly acclaiming.
“Markus Lupfer's been very clever in making his sequinned sweaters an item with a bit of a cult following that draws followers from a really surprisingly broad customer-base. They strike such a great balance between easy and dressed-up and witty and smart - pieces to make people from teenagers to grown ups smile and feel good in it almost anywhere.”
Lupfer’s unique style breathes new life into the everyday basics and refreshes the concept of classic knitwear, creating wearable clothing with an ornamental feel.
