Markus Lupfer

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Markus Lupfer is a German fashion designer and founder of the eponymous company, based in London, United Kingdom.^[1][2]

Lupfer was born in Kisslegg, a small town in Southern Germany. After attending the University of Trier^[3] he moved to the UK to study fashion design at London's University of Westminster.^[4] Notable alumni include well-known designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Burberry's former chief executive officer Christopher Bailey.^[5]

After graduating from Westminster in 1997 with a first-class honors degree, his final year collection was bought by Koh Samui, a London-based boutique, and sold out within two weeks.

In 1999, Lupfer made his prêt-à-porter debut at the London Fashion Week.^[3]

Lupfer is known for his unique statement knitwear designs and sequined lip-motif appliqués. Vogue.com's Chief Fashion Critic Sarah Mower describes his approach to sequined embroidery as “very clever in making his sequined sweaters an item with a bit of a cult following that draws followers from a surprisingly broad customer base. They strike such a great balance between easy and dressed-up and witty and smart – pieces to make people from teenagers to grown-ups smile and feel good in it almost anywhere“.^[6]

Lupfer is sold in many high-end retailers worldwide including Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Net-A-Porter, IT Hong Kong, Le Bon Marche Paris, Isetan, Hanwha Galleria, Shopbop, and Tsum. The brand launched an e-commerce store in 2014.

Lupfer won his first award in 2001, the British Fashion Council's New Generation Award, shortly after leaving university.

In 2008, Lupfer received the Best Designer of the Year Award at the Prix de la Mode Awards in Spain^[7] and two years later, in June of 2010, became the International Designer of the Year at the Scottish Fashion Awards.^[4]

Lupfer's designs have been worn by celebrities such as Rihanna, Madonna, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Olivia Palermo, Ellie Bamber, Maisie Williams, Cara Delevingne, Elle Macpherson, Salma Hayek and Claudia Schiffer. In addition, the Duchess of Cambridge has worn the brand during her Royal Tour to Germany in 2017.^[8]