/ 03 June 2025

Meet The Designer: Leila Founes

From Parisian ateliers to Dubai’s style set, Leila Founes is the visionary behind LUNÈS – a label where couture craftsmanship meets modern femininity. With a CV that spans some of fashion’s biggest names, her designs are a celebration of movement, artistry and the women who wear them. Here, Leila talks career highlights, creative ethos and the story behind her latest collection…

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@Lunes_Paris

My journey into fashion began at Christian Dior, where I had the opportunity to work across ready- to-wear, haute couture and special collaboration projects – including designing ballet costumes for institutions like the Guggenheim Museum and the Opera of Rome. I was captivated by the elegance and craftsmanship of couture, but I was equally inspired by the grace, fluidity and functionality of dancewear. It made me question why evening wear couldn’t embody that same balance – pieces that move beautifully, feel incredible on the body yet still express couture-level detail. That idea became the foundation of LUNÈS.

The name LUNÈS is a blend of my first and last name – Leila Founes – so the brand is deeply personal. It carries a part of me in both name and spirit. With the brand, I wanted to create a collection that merges femininity with couture sensibility – pieces that feel as good as they look. We aim to blur the lines between ready-to-wear and haute couture.

With the brand, I wanted to create a collection that MERGES FEMININITY WITH COUTURE SENSIBILITY – pieces that feel as good as they look.

My upbringing had a profound influence on who I am today. Born in Paris and raised between Dubai, Rome, London and Paris, I was constantly surrounded by different cultures – each city leaving its mark and helping shape both my worldview and creative voice. That multicultural spirit is at the heart of LUNÈS: a brand for women who exist between worlds, who move fluidly across cultures and draw strength from that duality. Dubai is home – and the base for LUNÈS – but even while training in Paris, I knew I wanted to bring that couture craftsmanship and Parisian flair back with me.

Our Spring/Summer 2025 collection is titled La Sirène, which means The Mermaid in French. It draws inspiration from the soft, iridescent beauty of the sea. Focusing on pastel hues, we worked with our signature georgette and satin silk fabrics, draping it into mermaid silhouettes that flow and move like water. The entire collection was shot at sunrise at Be Beach, a natural location completely surrounded by the sea in Dubai.

@Lunes_Paris

I love working with sportswear-inspired fabrics and elevating them through custom in-house techniques that give a couture-level finish while keeping comfort and ease at the core. The goal is always for the woman to be seen first, with the clothing enhancing her presence. Today, we’re designing with a broader lifestyle in mind – creating pieces that reflect the rhythms of life in our region, from Ramadan capsules and resort wear to elevated everyday staples that move effortlessly with her world.

I love pairing LUNÈS pieces with accessories that echo the brand’s aesthetic. For shoes, I gravitate toward Mach & Mach’s signature sparkle – its Double Bow Satin Pumps in Pink are such a standout. Another favorite is Aquazzura’s Tequila Sandal in Baby Blue. For handbags, L’Afshar is a staple. I especially love the Eva Crushed Ice Clutch – it feels sculptural and I love the texture.

For LUNÈS, the bustier has become a symbol of savoir-faire. It’s not just about design, it’s about mastery. There’s something about the structure – the discipline, the precision – that felt like true craftsmanship to me. Our clients constantly tell us how surprised they are by the comfort of our bustiers.

Sustainability is incredibly important to me – both as a designer and as someone building a conscious brand. First and foremost is the treatment of my team. My tailors and artisans are an extension of the brand’s spirit, and I make it a priority that they feel respected and valued. As we grow, we’re choosing to work only with factories that reflect the same ethical workmanship. We also avoid overproduction. Every LUNÈS piece is made to order, which only takes two working days. Looking to the future, we are exploring more sustainable materials, natural fibers like cupro or bamboo silk are part of our ongoing research and development.

@Lunes_Paris

Some of my favourite places in Dubai are rooted in the city’s more nostalgic corners, like Old Dubai and wandering through the souks in Deira. A few food favourites are Bungalow 34 for its seaside charm, Baoli for the ambiance, and Honeycomb for a night out with incredible food. I adore Three by Eva and Mama’esh for their warmth and flavour, Eleven Green for a perfect burger, and Artisan Bakers for a French breakfast - you really can’t take Paris out of the girl. I also love reconnecting with nature through hikes at Wadi Shawka or horse riding near Bab Al Shams.

I love discovering new brands. Collective Africa is a great spot for this – the space is so beautifully curated, it feels like a creative sanctuary. I love Amongst Few, my go-to for trainers and coffee. And for contemporary luxury, Harvey Nichols and Bloomingdale’s always deliver. Online, I’m always browsing Ounass and Moda Operandi. For homeware pieces I also love Wood Culture, they do incredible work with natural woods and custom furniture.

I’m incredibly grateful to contribute to a region that’s bursting with creativity and drive. We’ve just launched at Harvey Nichols Kuwait (a major milestone for me), which marks an exciting step forward in our regional journey in the Middle East. It is such an exciting time to be part of that momentum.

SUSTAINABILITY is incredibly important to me – both as a DESIGNER and as someone building a CONSCIOUS BRAND.

Watching the brand grow organically has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey. A few standout moments: staging my first fashion show for LUNÈS Spring/Summer 2025 at T.ZED Architects. Seeing women like Shilpa Shetty, Camille Kostek and Roxie Nafousi wear LUNÈS – all within the same year – was another highlight. It happened naturally, without a PR team behind it, which made it even more meaningful.

I would love to see LUNÈS carried by global platforms like Moda Operandi and Net-A-Porter would all be incredible. The true goal is to reach women around the world who connect with the brand. I’d also love to be in beautifully curated concept stores like The Broken Arm in Paris – spaces that celebrate craftsmanship, storytelling, and individuality.

If I had to give some important tips for designers starting out in the fashion industry, it would be to get experience first – spend a few years in a studio or fashion house to really understand the industry. Bring something original to the table, don’t become just another brand and be resilient. And most importantly, enjoy it. If the joy fades, it’s time to reassess.

Follow @LUNES_PARIS & visit LUNÈS.COM