Model draped in LUKS embody the soul of Estonian design—where emotion meets craftsmanship. Each piece tells a story of sustainability, precision, and the quiet power of fashion made with intention.
In an industry often driven by spectacle and speed, Estonian designer Sandra Luks is quietly redefining what it means to create with intention. Her eponymous brand, LUKS., is not just a label—it’s a philosophy rooted in precision, emotion, and environmental responsibility.
Sandra’s journey is anything but conventional. After leaving medical school in 2012 to pursue tailoring, she immersed herself in every facet of the fashion ecosystem—from buying and design assistance to textile resource management and formal fashion education at the Estonian Academy of Arts. Now, with over a decade of experience, she brings a rare depth of understanding to her work—one that’s as technical as it is poetic.
Her garments are not just worn—they’re felt. Each piece is a quiet rebellion against fast fashion, crafted to evoke emotion and connection. Luks believes in the power of process: the slow, deliberate rhythm of creation that honors both the maker and the wearer. It’s this ethos that makes her brand a natural fit for The Canvas, a New York-based multibrand retailer that’s rewriting the rules of global fashion.
As Editor of StyleLujo.com and Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology, I’ve spent years immersed in the evolving narrative of fashion—its triumphs, its excesses, and now, its reckoning. Today, sustainability is no longer a trend; it’s a moral imperative. The Canvas has emerged as a vital platform in this transformation, offering a global stage for brands that dare to challenge the status quo. It’s not just a retail space—it’s a movement. A place where ethics and aesthetics converge, where designers are empowered to create with conscience and consumers are invited to participate in meaningful change.
Among the many visionary brands I’ve encountered through The Canvas, LUKS stands out as a beacon of innovation and integrity. Their commitment to sustainable production is not performative—it’s deeply rooted in their design philosophy. From material sourcing to manufacturing transparency, LUKS exemplifies what it means to build a brand that respects both the planet and the people who inhabit it. Their pieces carry a quiet strength, merging minimalist elegance with a powerful message: fashion can be beautiful without being wasteful.
The rising interest in sustainable fashion is not just encouraging—it’s exhilarating. I see it in my students, who are more informed and impassioned than ever. I see it in emerging designers who refuse to compromise their values for visibility. And I see it in brands like LUKS, based in Estonia, that are proving sustainability is not limited by geography or scale. LUKS brings a Nordic sensibility to the conversation—clean lines, thoughtful craftsmanship, and a deep respect for nature. Their work reminds us that sustainability is not a limitation; it’s a source of creative liberation.
We are at a crossroads in fashion history. The Canvas and LUKS are not just responding to the moment—they are shaping the future. As someone who has dedicated my career to both chronicling and cultivating fashion’s evolution, I believe our industry must embrace this shift with urgency and authenticity. Sustainability is not a sidebar—it is the new center. And it’s time we all step into it with purpose.
The Canvas: Where Fashion Meets Diplomacy
With four physical retail locations and over 100 brands from 40+ countries, The Canvas is more than a store—it’s a movement. Every brand featured aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring that creativity and conscience go hand in hand.
After a standout collaboration with the Republic of Estonia during New York Fashion Week 2024, The Canvas is doubling down on its commitment to fashion diplomacy—a strategy that partners with trade ministries and diplomatic agencies to bring emerging designers into the heart of New York’s retail scene. From ProColombia to Estonian innovators like LUKS., this approach is giving global talent the visibility and access they deserve.
For Sandra Luks, this partnership is more than exposure—it’s validation. It’s proof that meticulous craftsmanship, sustainability, and emotional storytelling still have a place in fashion’s future. And for viewers and consumers alike, it’s a reminder that the most powerful garments aren’t just seen on runways—they’re felt in the soul.
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