Tastemakers: We Chat With London Fashion Name To Watch, Luena Gama
Luena Gama was one of the most photographed street style stars at London Fashion Week, and with good reason. Her outfits are equal parts eyecatching, on-trend, and relaxed. Here, we catch up with the local fashion trendsetter to find out which trends she’s loving for the season ahead, her top London spots and where she gets her inspo from.
What was your first memory of loving clothes and fashion?
I was 19! Fresh to London, I felt like I was allowed to experiment with my fashion for the first time without the fear of being perceived outside of the norm. London is a city that moves at its own pace, and there is so much room for self-expression that it felt like a whole new world of possibilities back then.
You’re known for your love of prints and pops of colour – has this always been the case?
No, absolutely not. I did go through a punk/emo phase in which I lived in different iterations of black and rocked the most atrocious side swoop bang imaginable. It is a period of my fashion journey that I try not to dwell on too much.
Whose style do you admire?
Bree Runway, Ayo Edebiri and Susie Lau.
Which fashion brands are you loving right now?
Stine Goya, Miu Miu, Allina Liu, Bibiy, Cawley Studio and Tory Burch.
London is a city that moves at its own pace, and there is so much room for self-expression
What’s an autumn/winter trend you’re excited about and why?
I’m excited for the return of the Canadian tux! I haven’t seen this trend mentioned a lot, but structured denim sets have been slowly making their way into the everyday wardrobe rotation of many, and I am ready to pull out some double denim combos as the weather gets colder.
Suede, burgundies and chocolate browns aren’t revolutionary in any way when referencing fall trends but the lean towards the English countryside chic approach is something I am loving as well.
How would you describe London Fashion Week in 3 words?
Unbridled, creative, chaos.
The lean towards the English countryside chic approach is something I am loving as well.
How do you select your Fashion Week outfits?
I try to plan my outfits with the shows I want to watch in mind. I look at fashion archives, what’s trending and try to find a middleground between the designers vision and my interpretation of their
aesthetic.
What’s the last thing you bought for your wardrobe?
The Miu Miu adventure bag. I have been looking for a “everything” bag since I graduated law school with my beat up longchamp Pliage and nothing has felt quite as versatile until I stumbled on the Aventure. It has a structured slouch that just makes it look so effortlessly chic AND plenty space. Also the warm brown tone is perfect for winter season and the leather will age beautifully.
Which item in your wardrobe will you treasure forever?
My Simone Rocha egg bag, it’s a conversation starter, a statement piece and a surprisingly spacious bag. I’m yet to find an outfit that it doesn’t complement beautifully. Simone Rocha is one of my favourite designers as well, so it always feels extra special to be able to have a piece created by someone whose work you admire.
What are the four beauty products you couldn’t live without?
Sunscreen, Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick, Dior lipgloss and a good blush.
Where are your favourite spots for interior buys?
Twentytwentyone, The Conran Shop, and Liberty London.
Let’s talk travel… where’s on your list for 2024/2025?
By the time anyone reads this I am probably on my way to a month long adventuring in Japan which I’m very excited for. Also trying to squeeze in a trip to Korea before allowing myself a warmer Christmas in Portugal. Travel plans for 2025 are still pending but Brazil, Singapore, Thailand and Australia are all top of my bucket list.
Travel plans for 2025 are still pending but Brazil, Singapore, Thailand and Australia are all top of my bucket list.
You live in London. Where is your favourite area and why?
Marylebone. Central enough to have the pace of central London but not quite as busy. It is peppered with great book and coffee shops yet a stone throw’s away from all major shopping spots if I’m in the mood for some browsing.
Where do you love to go out for dinner?
I haven’t been out dining in town in a while but Kiln and Bao are easily two of my favourites. The menus are uncomplicated and crafted for sharing. Neither of the restaurants is too big but they are popular so make sure you book ahead if you can!
Where is great for drinks in the evening?
I love a chill evening out at Eccleston Yards when the weather is nice. Amie Wine Studios being a favourite spot amongst my friend group. When it’s a bit chillier Kioku, Paradise: After Dark in Soho and Bar Crispin are usually the rotation.
What are you currently reading?
Currently reading Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma. I thought the shorter days and colder breeze called for some dark academia fantasy literature.