Fashion Profile: Luar
Luar Ana bag, Luar pop up store in NYC, photography by Orchid Clay @theorchidclay
Raul Lopez, founder of Luar, is transforming luxury fashion with gender-fluid designs and bold cultural statements. From NYFW fame to the iconic Ana bag, his impact is undeniable—read on to see why he’s one of fashion’s most watched names.
Childhood & Early Inspiration
Raul Lopez was born to stand out. Raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the Dominican-American designer developed an early fascination with fashion by watching his family sew on industrial machines. Instead of pursuing a traditional academic path, Raul drew inspiration from his surroundings—from the tailored attire of his Hasidic neighbors to the glamour of MTV-era music videos. Even as a child, he expressed his creativity through style, often wearing ties to school. His influences were unconventional: streetwear culture, bold personalities, and the striking ensembles of local sex workers, whom he admired for their confidence and flair.
Fashion models Tenny Zhang @tenny_zhang and Ken @wesdsgn at Luar pop up store in NYC, photography by Orchid Clay @theorchidclay
Though he never formally enrolled in fashion school, Raul’s passion led him to sneak into classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), soaking up everything he could about design and the industry.
Hood By Air & the Birth of LUAR
In 2005, Raul Lopez co-founded the streetwear label Hood By Air alongside Shayne Oliver. After several successful years, Raul stepped away to create a brand that would tell his own story. In 2011, LUAR Zepol was born—Zepol being Lopez spelled backward. Initially funded by a close friend and angel investor, the new brand debuted with runway shows and high expectations. However, the brand struggled to turn a profit and was eventually put on hold in 2014.
The Return of LUAR
In 2017, Raul relaunched the label under a new name—simply LUAR—signifying a fresh chapter. In 2018, he was nominated for the CFDA Fashion Fund, though the award ultimately went to Kerby Jean-Raymond of Pyer Moss. Around this time, Raul also faced significant mental health challenges, culminating in burnout and another temporary withdrawal from fashion in 2019.
Support Through Incubation
In 2021, Kerby Jean-Raymond extended a helping hand, inviting Raul to join Your Friends In New York (YFINY), a creative incubator supported by Kering. The program provided funding, business guidance, and marketing education, enabling Raul to rebuild LUAR with a more strategic foundation.
Luar Ana bag, photography by Orchid Clay @theorchidclay
The Ana Bag & Commercial Breakthrough
The Ana Bag marked a major turning point for the brand. Combining a retro '60s handle with bold '80s flair, the bag became a hit—affordable, desirable, and highly profitable. Today, the Ana Bag accounts for 40% of LUAR’s business, with 65% of profits coming from direct-to-consumer sales.
Recognition & Cultural Impact
In 2022, Raul Lopez received the CFDA American Accessory Designer of the Year Award, solidifying his place in the fashion industry. LUAR has since attracted significant media attention and celebrity clientele. In 2024, Beyoncé attended his fashion show to support her nephew, Jules, who walked the runway. LUAR’s signature bags have also been spotted on stars like Dua Lipa and J Balvin. With proven success, cultural influence, and a distinct creative voice, LUAR is poised for an exciting next chapter.
Luar pop up store in NYC, photography by Orchid Clay @theorchidclay
2025 Luar Expansion: Footwear, Accessories, and Creative Collaborations
Raul Lopez, founder of Luar, is expanding his brand with bold new ventures. The debut of the Jehan Belted Mules, a heeled slip-on featuring Luar’s signature “L” buckle, marks the brand’s entry into footwear. Designed for comfort and inclusivity, the mules cater to a diverse audience, including trans women and men who wear heels. Future footwear includes Oxfords, flat mules, and thigh-high boots, launching seasonally next year.
Luar’s accessory line also grows with two new silhouettes. The Yahaira Bag, named after Lopez’s drag persona, features a striking angular shape, while the Alexis Backpack complements the iconic Ana bag. Both premiered at the Spring 2025 runway show, aligning with Luar’s aim to offer a full fashion lineup.
Luar pop up store in NYC, photography by Orchid Clay @theorchidclay
In collaboration with M.A.C. Cosmetics, Luar introduced the Ana Artistry Bag—a sleek black faux crocodile piece crafted to hold makeup tools, lined with M.A.C.’s signature brush belt fabric. The bag embodies Lopez’s personal journey and aesthetic.
Lopez also curates custom runway soundtracks. For Spring 2025, he partnered with Gatekeeper’s Aaron Ross and Matthew Arkell to create a bespoke audio experience that deepened the show’s mood and storytelling.
