Talia Byre’s story is one of legacy, innovation, and the enduring power of fashion. At the heart of this narrative is Talia Lipkin-Connor, the founder and sole designer of her eponymous fashion label. While her family tree is adorned with a long line of successful clothes-makers, designers, and boutique owners, she knows she can’t rely solely on her heritage in today’s rapidly changing British fashion landscape. Instead, she’s carving her own path, and so far, it’s been a journey of triumph and adaptation. Her label, now stocked by esteemed retailers like Browns Fashion, Farfetch, and SSENSE, has recently been shortlisted for the prestigious BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund. This recognition comes on the heels of her Fall-Winter 2025 collection, which debuted during London Fashion Week, cementing her position as a rising star in the industry.
As she sits in her East London studio, Lipkin-Connor sketches out her heritage on paper, tracing a lineage that spans generations. Her great-grandfather, Saul Abrams, and his two great-uncles, Sam and Campbell, owned three tailoring shops in Liverpool from the 1930s to the 1980s under the name The Abrams Brothers. These shops were not just local staples but also a favorite haunt of The Beatles during their early days performing at the Cavern Club. While the physical remnants of the business have faded, the stories and memories remain alive through her family. However, Lipkin-Connor admits that keeping track of such a rich history is no small feat. “All my great aunts just chime in randomly like, ‘Don’t you remember that?’” she says with a laugh. “It’s like, ‘No. That was 70 years before I was born.’”
The family’s success continued into the 1960s with her great-uncle Ralph, who became a prominent figure in womenswear. Ralph opened Lucinda Byre, a boutique in Liverpool that quickly became a hub for fashion enthusiasts. The boutique was named after his gentry in-laws, Lord Byre, and a fictional character called Lucinda, reflecting the blend of tradition and creativity that defined the brand. Lucinda Byre was one of the first retailers to stock iconic designers like Vivienne Westwood and Mulberry, and it also carried its own line of cashmere knitwear and shoes. Today, remnants of the boutique’s legacy can be found in the wardrobes of family members and even in vintage shops along Portobello Road. Some of Lucinda Byre’s original customers have even followed Lipkin-Connor’s journey, sending her photos of their treasured garments and sharing fond memories.
But while Lipkin-Connor draws inspiration from her family’s past, the landscape of British fashion today is vastly different. Post-Brexit challenges, including rising studio costs, low wages, and a lack of government funding, have created a tough environment for emerging designers. “It’s something we discuss a lot in my family at the dinner table,” she says. “In terms of funding and access to a lot of things, it’s just harder.” Many independent brands have relocated to countries like France or Italy to navigate these obstacles, but Lipkin-Connor is determined to thrive in the UK. She uses Italian manufacturers to avoid the high costs of shipping to EU customers, but even this comes with its own set of challenges. During a recent visit to her grandmother’s apartment in Liverpool, she discovered rolls of fabric from heritage cloth merchants Dugdale Bros & Co., once a supplier to The Abrams Brothers. While she hoped to use these fabrics for her own label, the cost of shipping them to Italy for production proved unsustainable.
Despite these hurdles, Lipkin-Connor remains committed to her vision. Her Fall-Winter 2025 collection, presented during London Fashion Week, is a testament to her ability to blend the past with the present. The collection nods to Lucinda Byre’s legacy, with references like a patterned Cacharel dress her mother found in Liverpool and vintage knitwear details. However, Lipkin-Connor is careful not to let nostalgia overshadow her designs. “We’re aware that there’s so much history there, but it could very easily become too nostalgic,” she explains. “Lucinda Byre was really forward-thinking… So it’s really important that it still feels fresh.” This balance of tradition and innovation is at the heart of Talia Byre’s identity, and it’s a duality that resonates with both old and new customers alike.
Looking ahead, Lipkin-Connor’s ultimate goal is to revive the excitement of high-street shopping through a physical store. “People still crave that,” she says. “There’s nowhere, especially for me and my sister, where we’d go and shop in London.” While she envisions a multi-purpose space that includes a showroom, store, and atelier, she’s also open to adding unique touches, like a wine bar. Such a space would not only reflect the soul of her brand but also serve as a modern counterpart to the Lucinda Byre flagship store, which once featured a French bistro where her father was playfully grilled by her grandmother about marrying into the family. For Lipkin-Connor, the connection between past and present is clear. “The same woman that shopped at Lucinda Byre is the same woman that shops with us now,” she says. “It’s just a different period of time.”
Talia Byre’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of fashion to connect generations. While the label’s offbeat approach to layering and bold designs feels distinctly modern, it also carries the legacy of her family’s history. This duality is something Lipkin-Connor not only recognizes but also embraces. As she continues to navigate the challenges of the British fashion industry, her commitment to innovation, creativity, and tradition ensures that her label will remain a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
