The Story of EyeLoveLu: From Fashion Stylist to Upcycling Dream
Five years ago, during the quiet days of COVID, I moved with my husband to a little, picturesque French town called Salies-de-Béarn. Before this, I had been working as a professional fashion stylist in China — a career I loved for its creativity, but one that left me conflicted. The waste and pollution I witnessed in the fashion industry deeply disturbed my inner peace.
So, I decided to take a step back. I wanted time to recalibrate — to reflect on how I could continue creating while also honoring the values that matter to me: sustainability, community, and respect for our planet.
A Seed That Was Always There 🌱
It’s so funny looking back now — I realize the seeds of this upcycling dream were always hidden inside me, even when I was working as a fashion stylist. I was deeply conscious of environmental issues, and nearly every art direction project I created was tied to that: ocean pollution, plastic waste, air pollution.
At the time, I used the skills I had to express my inner voice about these problems. And when I look back at my journey, it almost feels like fate — as if I was always meant to be doing what I’m doing now.
My styling work that related to ocean pollution
My art direction & styling work related to plastic waste
My art direction & styling work that related to air pollution
A New Beginning in France 🇫🇷
During my pause from the fashion world, I wanted to contribute to my new local community. I began volunteering at a charity shop called Le Coin du Trocoeur, where I styled displays, organized donated goods, dressed mannequins, and helped make the shop more welcoming for customers.
What struck me most was the sheer volume of clothing donations coming in. Piles and piles of second-hand clothes that still had so much life left in them. This experience sparked an idea: What if I could use my skills to give these materials a second life?
That was the true birth of the EyeLoveLu Upcycling Project.
Teaching Myself to Sew ✂️
Two years ago, I picked up a sewing machine and started teaching myself from scratch. At first, I experimented with small projects like coin purses, card holders, and wallets — all made from donated fabrics or clothing sourced from local charity shops. It was my way of turning waste into something meaningful, and of reducing environmental impact while reconnecting with the creativity I love.
My very early creations of the first year of sewing.
Falling in Love with Hats 🎩
Last year, I stumbled upon vibrant swim shorts in bold colors and playful patterns. They immediately reminded me of what I loved most as a stylist: mixing and matching colors, patterns, and textures.
That discovery sparked my hat-making journey. I started designing reversible bucket hats, blending different fabrics to create one-of-a-kind, sustainable pieces. Soon, I expanded into rain hats, sun hats, and even experimented with matching front-tie vests. Each creation became a celebration of individuality, creativity, and resourcefulness.
Welcome to EyeLoveLu 💛
Now, after years of learning, experimenting, and creating, I’m thrilled to finally share my work with you. EyeLoveLu is more than a brand — it’s my way of celebrating uniqueness, craftsmanship, and our responsibility to protect the environment.
Every piece I make is
- Handmade with love 💕
- Crafted from upcycled materials ♻️
- Designed to be bold, playful, and truly one-of-a-kind ✨
I would love for you to join me on this journey. By supporting EyeLoveLu, you’re not only getting a piece that’s special and sustainable, you’re also helping me grow this dream — a dream where fashion can be joyful, conscious, and kind to our planet.
EyeLoveLu, I love you ❤️