Kestutis Lekeckas for leKeckas: Tailoring the Future, Seam by Seam

I am Kęstutis Lekeckas, a costume designer who first understands fashion from the inside out—through material, technology, and construction—before focusing on external aesthetics. The subtlety of my designs is essential, and the solutions I discover often surprise both the user and the observers in unexpected ways.

I have always been interested in creating, helping, solving problems, and design is the area where this can be realised. The right clothing design can help a person in many situations, from confidence, self-esteem, to achieving goals and manipulating perceptions.

The main activity is in a small family business, where I have the freedom to create. We deliver clothing products to our branded boutique, and I also work with individual clients, providing high-quality, bespoke design and tailoring services. I enjoy engaging in various activities and continuously improving myself by learning new things. I hold a PhD in materials engineering, teach at a university, and work on various projects.

For me, design is about creativity, observing the environment, and seeking inspiration. It’s a form of creativity that helps people live well, feel good, and gain self-confidence.

I work in the fashion field and enjoy creating garments with designs that unfold gradually. At first glance, they may appear classic, but over time, exquisite details and complex constructions are revealed. Sustainability is also an important aspect of my work.

High-quality, long-lasting, and adapted to people — for me, these are the characteristics associated with good design.

The “Sustainable Twin” suit design was inspired by a desire to use high-quality fabric leftovers from suit production. Initially, I explored whether textile scraps could fit within the realm of contemporary aesthetics. I then developed this concept by grouping colours and material types, and by finding ways to integrate even the smallest pieces without compromising the subtlety of the design.

The main inspiration came from a desire to work without producing waste.

Undoubtedly, Lithuanian modesty and delicacy are evident in my work, along with inspirations from national identity, colour choices, and national motifs.

It is very nice to be noticed and appreciated; it gives confidence and confirms that you are on the right path.

I believe that society's current need to turn towards sustainability makes it important to seek ways to achieve this and share even the smallest achievements and ideas. Therefore, it is very meaningful to me that this particular design solution was noticed, and the new aesthetic created from waste was awarded.

The biggest challenge was matching the materials according to their composition, quality, structure, thickness, pattern, colour, and other indicators. In this case, the standard design process cannot be followed; everything is influenced by the available scraps and their size, so the design process occurs alongside the joining of fabrics and the fitting of the patterns.

I hope it reaches more people and sparks interest in sustainable fashion.

It is very interesting to work in the design industry, as it allows you to create, solve problems, and be at the forefront of new discoveries.

Good taste and delicacy, exceptional construction, and design solutions that are not immediately revealed.

I hope that the direction of sustainable development and the opportunities to pursue it, especially in the fashion industry, will be discovered.

To be yourself and create what you like.

I think we should pay attention to the opportunities offered by virtual design and artificial intelligence.

If I have not told anyone, then I probably don't want to tell!

I am inspired by everyone around me: friends, family, my environment, travels, things, and images.

I don't know if I can call myself successful; it depends on the goals set, societal norms, and many other factors. However, it's true that I have the opportunity to do my favourite activities every day.