Talia Lipkin-Connor, founder of Talia Byre, draws inspiration from her family’s tailoring history as she showcases her Fall-Winter 2025 collection amid challenges facing independent designers.
Talia Lipkin-Connor, the founder and sole designer of the fashion label Talia Byre, is carving out her own niche in the competitive British fashion scene while drawing inspiration from a rich family heritage in tailoring and design. Lipkin-Connor has recently presented her Fall-Winter 2025 collection during London Fashion Week and her label has been shortlisted for the prestigious BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund, signaling her growing prominence in the industry.
Based in East London, Lipkin-Connor detailed her family background, which boasts a lineage filled with successful fashion entrepreneurs. Speaking to CNN, she recounted how her great grandfather Saul and his brothers ran The Abrams Brothers, a trio of tailoring shops in Liverpool from the 1930s to the 1980s. The shops, a significant part of the city’s menswear scene, were even frequented by The Beatles during their early performances at the Cavern Club. However, much of that legacy is fragmented today, making it challenging for Lipkin-Connor to piece together her family’s history, stating that her great aunts often recall anecdotes from events that happened decades before her birth.
During the 1960s, her family continued to influence the fashion industry through her great uncle Ralph’s boutique, Lucinda Byre, located in Liverpool. The boutique garnered attention for stocking significant brands, including those from the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Mary Quant. Lipkin-Connor still maintains some of the customer relationships from Lucinda Byre, with clients reaching out to share fond memories and images of garments they once purchased.
However, the current landscape of the British fashion industry presents challenges that differ starkly from those of her forebears. Factors such as Brexit-induced trade disruption, rising operational costs, and limited government support weigh heavily on new designers. “It’s something we discuss a lot in my family at the dinner table,” Lipkin-Connor explained, “it’s just harder” regarding access to funding and markets. Many independent brands, facing issues such as increased tariffs and changes in tax policies, are relocating to fashion hubs like Paris and Milan, contributing to the perception of the UK becoming increasingly isolating for designers.
Caroline Rush, the outgoing CEO of the British Fashion Council, echoed these concerns during her opening remarks at London Fashion Week, emphasizing the need for governmental investment and support in light of the industry’s struggles.
Despite these challenges, Lipkin-Connor is dedicated to her craft and has managed to launch her newest collection, which incorporates elements from the legacy of Lucinda Byre. Drawing from her family’s past, she included a patterned Cacharel dress and found inspiration in vintage knitwear, blending historical pieces with contemporary designs. “It’s really important that it still feels fresh,” she remarked, as she seeks to honor her heritage while pushing fashion forward.
Looking to the future, Lipkin-Connor envisions establishing a physical store that embodies a sense of community and creativity, expressing a desire to revitalize high street shopping. She shared a whimsical idea of integrating a wine bar into her store concept, which she believes could foster a soulful atmosphere. Her approach to fashion features a unique style that combines offbeat layering with modern aesthetics, aimed at appealing to a modern audience while recognizing the historical connections inherent in her work.
Through Talia Byre, Lipkin-Connor embodies a blend of contemporary design innovation rooted in her family’s storied past, continuing the legacy in a landscape that presents both opportunities and complexities.
Source: Noah Wire Services
