Issue Twelve
Leah Chapman is the Founder of British fashion brand Issue Twelve. Launched in 2021, the brand draws inspiration from the uniformed approach to menswear design and aims to create simple and timeless everyday pieces with a focus on sustainability. We are delighted to welcome Issue Twelve to our Reluxe Archive and learn more about Leah's inspiration and background.
What was the idea behind Issue 12?
I wanted to make pieces that were really simple and easy to wear everyday. High quality items that you go to time and time again.
Where does the inspiration come from?
The more simple, less styled, more effortless way that men traditionally tend to dress when going to work. Tailoring is normally associated with more classic pieces so you see that a lot in the brand. I also find the fabrics and all the work the mills do incredibly inspiring.
You grew up with a family in the fashion business and entrepreneurs so was this a natural calling for you or did you want to do something else initially?
I fell in love with an artist called Saul Bass and decided I wanted to make opening title sequences - so studied Graphic Design for four years. In doing this I realised I spent so much time styling to get dressed and could never find the classic pieces that I wanted. I dreamt of beautifully made, luxurious easy to wear pieces without the high luxury price tag... So I ended up falling into fashion.
I wanted to make pieces that were really simple and easy to wear everyday. High quality items that you go to time and time again.
Where does the inspiration come from?
The more simple, less styled, more effortless way that men traditionally tend to dress when going to work. Tailoring is normally associated with more classic pieces so you see that a lot in the brand. I also find the fabrics and all the work the mills do incredibly inspiring.
You grew up with a family in the fashion business and entrepreneurs so was this a natural calling for you or did you want to do something else initially?
I fell in love with an artist called Saul Bass and decided I wanted to make opening title sequences - so studied Graphic Design for four years. In doing this I realised I spent so much time styling to get dressed and could never find the classic pieces that I wanted. I dreamt of beautifully made, luxurious easy to wear pieces without the high luxury price tag... So I ended up falling into fashion.
"Transparency is very important to us at Issue Twelve - knowing the factories and mills, understanding where and how the farms are conducted. We share all of this information with our customers and think it makes a final product feel more special. Knowing the journey of creation makes you value and care for the piece more."
Who is the Issue 12 woman?
A creative working women who wants to look great but not spend too much time thinking about it!
What does sustainable fashion mean to you?
It’s pretty impossible to make new products and be completely sustainable. But I think we should all be doing our best in any industry or in any new business to understand the impacts of each decision we make. Transparency is very important to us at Issue Twelve - knowing the factories and mills, understanding where and how the farms are conducted. We share all of this information with our customers and think it makes a final product feel more special. Knowing the journey of creation makes you value and care for the piece more.
What drew you to fashion?
Initially, funnily enough, the less practical runway pieces that drew such visceral excitement learning about them when I was younger. I still swoon over the avant garde creations of Martin Margiela in the 90's. A complete contrast to everything Issue Twelve. I still believe it’s important to have fashion pieces that feel like art in your wardrobe.
A creative working women who wants to look great but not spend too much time thinking about it!
What does sustainable fashion mean to you?
It’s pretty impossible to make new products and be completely sustainable. But I think we should all be doing our best in any industry or in any new business to understand the impacts of each decision we make. Transparency is very important to us at Issue Twelve - knowing the factories and mills, understanding where and how the farms are conducted. We share all of this information with our customers and think it makes a final product feel more special. Knowing the journey of creation makes you value and care for the piece more.
What drew you to fashion?
Initially, funnily enough, the less practical runway pieces that drew such visceral excitement learning about them when I was younger. I still swoon over the avant garde creations of Martin Margiela in the 90's. A complete contrast to everything Issue Twelve. I still believe it’s important to have fashion pieces that feel like art in your wardrobe.
"I still believe it’s important to have fashion pieces that feel like art in your wardrobe."
What is your go-to outfit?
I’m much more of a winter dresser, so suit trousers - either The Stanley Trouser or the Marlene, and a super soft jumper like the Igloo jumper with ballet flats.
Which pieces are you coveting on Reluxe right now?
I’ve got my eye on this John Galliano jacket which feels super special. I’d wear it with some loose fitted jeans like Issue Twelve’s Ella Jeans. I’m also loving The Prada 2000’s black suede kitten heels - for when my maternity leave is over (or is that wishful thinking?)
How do you shop?
I’m not a big shopper - I like having a concise wardrobe. I used to shop only online, but now I’m starting to love going back into stores. I can’t wait to go into Reluxe's store on Golborne Road when I’m back in London.
I’m much more of a winter dresser, so suit trousers - either The Stanley Trouser or the Marlene, and a super soft jumper like the Igloo jumper with ballet flats.
Which pieces are you coveting on Reluxe right now?
I’ve got my eye on this John Galliano jacket which feels super special. I’d wear it with some loose fitted jeans like Issue Twelve’s Ella Jeans. I’m also loving The Prada 2000’s black suede kitten heels - for when my maternity leave is over (or is that wishful thinking?)
How do you shop?
I’m not a big shopper - I like having a concise wardrobe. I used to shop only online, but now I’m starting to love going back into stores. I can’t wait to go into Reluxe's store on Golborne Road when I’m back in London.
Which women influence you or do you admire?
Sofia Coppola, Louise Bourgeois, Charlotte Perriand - women’s who’s work I love.
What would you like the future of fashion to look like?
For business’ to really consider the environment in their decision making, and not as a marketing tool, but as duty when producing something new.
What are your favourite pieces from The Archive x Issue 12 collection?
The Chia Trousers are always a favourite - you can wear them in the day and dress them up for dinner. The fit is so flattering and they’re really comfortable. I also love the Maude top and Marlene Trouser set for a more dressed up evening look.
Sofia Coppola, Louise Bourgeois, Charlotte Perriand - women’s who’s work I love.
What would you like the future of fashion to look like?
For business’ to really consider the environment in their decision making, and not as a marketing tool, but as duty when producing something new.
What are your favourite pieces from The Archive x Issue 12 collection?
The Chia Trousers are always a favourite - you can wear them in the day and dress them up for dinner. The fit is so flattering and they’re really comfortable. I also love the Maude top and Marlene Trouser set for a more dressed up evening look.
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PRODUCT
We believe that clothes, like us, should have as long and varied life as possible.
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PEOPLE
We are part of a network of amazing women who are trying to do something for the greater good
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PACKAGING
We only use compostable, 100% FSC certified recycled paper.
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POSITIVE IMPACT
As a community, our aim is to redress consumption and bring back a culture of care.
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