Luke 1977

There’s no getting around this, men are the fussier sex when it comes to clothes shopping. Women will have their moments too, but will more often than not, settle for cheaper imitations of the brands they like, whereas the men will accept no substitutes. I have no scientific survey to back my views, but as a manager of an independent fashion store I have gauged over time how the sexes shop when it comes to dressing himself or herself. Men will stay loyal to a brand; even champion it, evangelizing their logos like a walking sandwich board. Unfortunately the days where all our clothes are manufactured on the streets we live, are long gone. At best we can hope for is the owner of the brands and their designers are home grown, and embraced by the culture from which they are founded. 

One brand that could fit this description is LUKE 1977. The name is taken from the founder Luke Roper who developed the brand from its humble beginnings in the West Midlands in 2001.The philosophy of the brand is ‘Foundry worker meets Fashionista’.

The brand has a very classic look, which wouldn’t look out of place on a 60’s Steve McQueen, propped nonchalantly against his dune buggy. It isn't going for the generic on-campus Jack Jones, Hollister post-grad Uni look. It’s one that would look as good on the English gent, as well as the Weekend Warrior.

I managed to get a quick interview with Luke Roper about the brand that he founded. (Pictured right).

 

Coming from the West Midlands, do people from the area buy LUKE to support one of their own? 

There is a certain degree of support and I am very grateful for that and very humbled. However, at the end of the day guys are not going to spend there hard earned cash on something they don't like or is bad quality so I think initially maybe but now hopefully people buy it for what it is.

Is it true that the brand was launched on 9/11? If so how best do you remember the day? 

We started the brand in May 2001 but registered the company on 9/11. Without doubt it was one of the saddest days I've experienced. Days like this put things in perspective for us all.

Were you named after Luke Skywalker from Star Wars? Also released in 1977. 

Good story but not true! 

Do you wear anything but LUKE?  

Never! I really love the clothes and footwear we create and enjoy wearing new developments (I'm working 12 months in advance).  This gives me an opportunity to gauge peoples reactions to them prior to them being released.

What's your handicap on the course? 

A proper 28! I only play a handful of times a year but I'm hoping to give more time to it next year and improve!!

Have you ever struck up a conversation with a stranger wearing LUKE, and felt inwardly chuffed knowing you're the anonymous catalyst for his taste in fashion?  

In the early days I got pretty excited seeing someone in the brand and yeah over the years I have had the odd chat with people but thats more because I like to chat to everyone and have a bit of banter but it was good to see what the people were like wearing the clobber and where they were coming from. As the brand has grown I certainly see it about a lot more and am still as excited but leave the chats as I'm normally pushing the pram!

Ever thought of doing a LUKE onesie?  

Not a chance we don't make baby clothes!!! 

Do you think the High Street will make a come back?

In terms if the individuality of High Streets I am worried. Not only independent fashion stores but independent stores across the board are struggling. I'm hoping it's cyclical and the high street can come back stronger but it is all down to the public supporting them and doing this with their wallets. If all high streets become harmonogised it will lead to a pretty dull place. This will have a follow on impact across the board, which will not be good for anyone!

Can you remember who bought your first shirt you designed back in your teens? Have you tracked him down at all since? 

An old friend called Andy Bagley. Haven't seen him for some years as he moved to Cheshire and started a family. I still have his number so one of these days we will catch up for a beer!  

Luke 1977 available at Traffic clothes store in Ramsey.