Grandmother's grandfather styled The Beatles. Currently, she's forging her own reputation in the fashion industry.
Talia Lipkin-Connor's journey in the fashion industry has been nothing short of impressive. Her five-year-old label, already stocked in major retailers like Browns Fashion, Farfetch, and SSENSE, has recently landed on the prestigious BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund shortlist and debuted her Fall-Winter 2025 collection at London Fashion Week.
With a rich heritage in the industry, Lipkin-Connor traces her roots back to her great grandfather Saul and two great great uncles Sam and Campbell who owned The Abrams Brothers tailoring shops in Liverpool from the 1930s to the 1980s. This family business was a significant part of the city's menswear scene, even attracting legendary band The Beatles before its eventual decline.
Her great uncle Ralph, also in the fashion industry, made a name for himself during the Swinging Sixties by opening Lucinda Byre, a boutique selling women's clothing and accessories in Liverpool. Lucinda Byre was one of the first to carry fashion icons like Mary Quant and Mulberry, and its unique pieces can still be found in vintage shops in London today.
Despite the success of her fashion forefathers, Lipkin-Connor faces unique challenges in today's fashion landscape. Brexit and other industry disruptions have made navigating the UK fashion industry a complex endeavor. Balancing rising costs, low wages, and lack of government funding can feel overwhelming compared to the ease her great uncle Ralph experienced in the Swinging Sixties.
Moving forward, Talia Byre strives to revive the excitement of high street shopping through a bricks-and-mortar store. Drawing inspiration from Lucinda Byre, her brand mixes contemporary designs with vintage influences. By embracing her heritage and challenging norms, Lipkin-Connor hopes to create a modern yet nostalgic atmosphere that resonates with both her older and younger clientele.
Navigating the complexities of the fashion industry isn't just a challenge for emerging designers like Lipkin-Connor. The British fashion industry as a whole is working to overcome financial difficulties brought on by Brexit and other challenges. Caroline Rush, former CEO of the British Fashion Council, emphasized the need for further government support to help the industry thrive.
However, despite the challenges, UK-based fashion designers like Lipkin-Connor continue to innovate and cope by focusing on the domestic market, shifting to sustainability, and leveraging online platforms for sales. Together, these brands hope to maintain the celebrated "Made in Britain" label while embracing the future of fashion.
Talia Lipkin-Connor inherits a deep-rooted passion for fashion from her fashion forefathers, including her great grandfather Saul and great great uncles in tailoring. Recalling the influence of her great uncle Ralph's boutique, Lucinda Byre, she aims to revive the thrill of high street shopping with a blend of contemporary styles and vintage influences.
Embracing sustainable fashion, Lipkin-Connor's label stands out in the industry, enabling her to connect with both old and young clients. Following in her great uncle Ralph's footsteps, she strives to leave a lasting impact on fashion, much like how Lucinda Byre introduced era-defining designers like Mary Quant to the market.
Determined to carry forward the legacy of her family's tailoring business, Lipkin-Connor continues to tailor her designs with detailed craftsmanship, honoring the time-honored art of tailoring passed down through generations.
