In a world where trends change by the week and clothes are made to be worn once, With Harper Lu stands out for all the right reasons. This Melbourne-based label proves that fashion doesn’t have to be fast to be exciting – and that taking your time can lead to something truly special.
Launched in 2020 by Lucia Hanna and Cathie Burke, With Harper Lu was never meant to be just another brand on the rack. From day one, it’s been about more than clothes – it’s about thoughtful design, local craftsmanship, and a genuine connection with community.
How It All Started
Lucia and Cathie might come from different backgrounds, but together they’ve created a partnership that just works. Lucia brings the creative vision – inspired by Melbourne’s arts scene and her connection to the local community. She’s the one dreaming up the painterly prints and romantic silhouettes the brand has become known for.
Cathie, on the other hand, brings structure to the dream. With years of experience in corporate retail, she handles the nuts and bolts – from operations to garment construction. That balance between art and precision is what gives With Harper Lu its signature blend of heart and polish.
What Makes Their Style Different
Think bold floral prints, flowing dresses, and colours that pop without being loud. From curve-hugging minis to elegant maxis, With Harper Lu pieces are romantic without being fussy, and feminine without feeling too precious.
Everything is made in small runs right here in Melbourne – no offshore factories, no mass production. It’s a slow-fashion approach that puts quality and sustainability first. When you buy a piece from With Harper Lu, you’re getting something that’s been carefully designed, thoughtfully produced, and made to last.
Community Over Campaigns
While most brands chase likes and ad impressions, With Harper Lu has grown the old-school way: by showing up, connecting with people, and letting the clothes speak for themselves.
From intimate events like their 2024 showcase at A-ESQUE’s Atelier, to collaborations with fellow local brands like By Poppy, Lucia and Cathie have kept community at the heart of everything they do. Their collections – like Bella Notte and Catalyst – aren’t just about trends; they’re about stories, shared moments, and making women feel beautiful in what they wear.
Why This Brand Matters
Fashion is waking up. More and more people are asking who made their clothes, how they were made, and whether they’ll still love them next year.
With Harper Lu answers all of that with a quiet confidence. Their pieces work for the big moments – holidays, celebrations, dinners out – but they also slot seamlessly into real life. You don’t need a special occasion to wear something special.
And maybe that’s the point.
Quickfire Q&A
Who’s behind the brand?
Founders Lucia Hanna and Cathie Burke launched With Harper Lu in 2020 – Lucia leads the creative, while Cathie handles operations and production.
Where did the name come from?
“Harper” was a name they loved, “Lu” is a nod to Lucia, and “With” reflects the brand’s collaborative spirit – with each other, and with their customers.
What’s their aesthetic?
Feminine, modern, and joyfully bold – think painterly prints, curve-skimming minis, elegant maxis, and soft tailoring you can actually wear.
Is it sustainable?
Yes. Everything is made locally in Melbourne, in limited runs, with a strong focus on ethical production and minimising waste.
Where can you wear it?
Anywhere you want to feel your best – weddings, getaways, dinner parties, or just because you feel like dressing up.
Have they been featured in the media?
They’ve been picked up by several leading Australian fashion publications and continue to earn a loyal following among style lovers.
What’s next?
More seasonal collections, more local collaborations, and more commitment to doing things the right way – slowly, thoughtfully, and with love.
Final Thoughts
With Harper Lu is one of those rare brands that makes you feel good about what you’re wearing – not just because it looks amazing, but because it was made with care.
If you’re looking to step away from fast fashion and invest in pieces that truly mean something, this is a label to watch.
