Our Founder & Creative Director. The path to function, fit & fabulousness.
Fleur's Journey
The path to function, fit & fabulousness
SHAPING HER FUTURE
A New Zealand Girl
A small-town girl from New Zealand, a career in fashion was never something a younger Fleur envisioned for herself. With an analytical mind, she first set out on a path to finance.
However, after taking time out to travel, she returned to New Zealand and took an admin job at a swimwear brand, which would change the course of her future.
Inspired by the creativity of the brand's design duo and the energy of the design room, Fleur found herself at a crossroads - should she continue down the finance path or explore this new-found creativity?
Fleur enrolled in a Fashion Design course at Wellington Polytechnic, now part of Massey University, New Zealand and immersed herself in the practical and the creative.
"I have a very process driven sensibility but I loved the possibilities of creating fashion, and I thought, I want to know how to do that for myself."
- Fleur Richardson
LEADING THE
Woman At The Top
Two years after graduating, her role with Auckland-based suiting company, Cambridge Clothing saw her transferred to Melbourne. From there she moved onwards and upwards, into womenswear and up to Queensland, where in 2013 she met designer, Leina Broughton.
3 years after launching an eponymous fashion label, Leina was looking to grow the business - enter Fleur. The pair connected instantly, united by a shared vision of what they wanted to achieve in the fashion industry. The Leina Broughton label became Leina + Fleur and has gone on to grow from strength to strength.
broadening horizons
Fashion That Thrills
After 10 years in the business, Fleur still feels the excitement. And there's a lot to be excited about. 2024 saw the launch of the first Lounge + Slumber collection, ethically produced range of lounge and sleepwear.
The label also unveiled an after 5 range developed specifically for the Leina + Fleur woman. The Up Late Collection delivers subtle luxury that wears again and again, setting it apart from typical occasionwear one-wear wonders.
Says Fleur, "Creative industry, it’s the fuel to the fire - anything is possible!”