Bonjour my gorgeous, glamorous, faithful fashionistas! This month, I am writing to you on my specially adapted laptop (with a reinforced keypad for my big clunky hooves) from the stylish, modernist, chic comfort of Maison De LUC8K in Switzerland!
That’s right my darlings, I’m spending some quality time with my colleagues - my soulmates and favourite humans on the planet - at the spiritual and actual home of LUC8K.
I hot-hoofed it here from the Serengeti with my two stunning LUC8K Weekender travel bags packed full of my favourite party dresses, shoes and hats, because we are having a special celebration! I am surrounded by beautiful silver and gold balloons, there is a huge, extravagant cake, and a copious amount of champagne is on ice because this year, LUC8K is celebrating ten incredible years of exquisite luxury, divine design, and lots of love!
But, before I raise my glass to the sparkling future of LUC8K, I shall take a moment to pause, reflect, and look back to when it all started for me - and I would be honoured as always my friends, if you could join me! I’ll start by explaining how a giraffe ended up as Global Brand Ambassador for LUC8K - and without any previous business, PR or media experience whatsoever! (Although when it comes to the business of fashion, I know an extremely good quality leather tote when I see it…)
LUC8K: A Chance Meeting That Changed My World
In 2015, just after I gave birth to my precious little calf Amelia, a very special human being came to my home to show her own little daughter the natural wonder of the Serengeti.
One sunny afternoon after monsoon season had ended, I was craning my neck to drink water from a newly created lake. Well, it was hot and we had no access to champagne back then, darlings! The mother and daughter were tog
ether with a small group of tourists in one of those dinky little safari-Jeeps, but the little one decided to jump out and come and say hello - much to the annoyance of the park ranger whose job it was to make sure they stayed in the jeep! Well, Momma told him to shush, and we introduced ourselves. I nearly choked on my water when the little girl showed me her tiny rubber version of me who she also called Sophie! What are the chances!?
During our brief conversation, I had a feeling that Momma was not like any of the other humans I had encountered before. I could see in her eyes and words that see cared deeply about this planet we all share. I told her about life in the Serengeti. How beautiful each sunrise and sunset is, and how privileged we are to share it with so many other families - even those pesky hyenas who always keep me and my tribe on our toes!
LUC8K: A Brief Yet Beautiful Connection
But, there were some things I didn’t need to say, because she already knew. Life is getting harder each year for us giraffes. And lions. Elephants. All of us animals. The entire planet! Even hyenas.
Ten years ago, I was lucky enough to have a watering hole somewhere close by to drink. Now? Not so much, and I fear for all of our little ones. Before they left to explore more of my homeland, the momma introduced herself as Karen Olivo, and with a glint in her eye, she told me she was working on something special that I might be interested in, and she promised to stay in touch. I knew she would, but little did I know she would become my kindred human spirit animal.
In 2016, Karen launched LUC8K, and I was honoured to be the first giraffe to know about it! She needed to spread the word but she also needed inspiration from other bag makers and creatives around the world who were equally passionate about using sustainable practices. Back then, LUC8K were pioneers when it came to sustainability in the luxury market, especially when it came to leather bags.
It made complete sense for Karen to hire me as LUC8K’s first ever global ambassador, and ten years later, I’m still trotting around the world.
Over the years, I’ve met the most extraordinary humans imaginable. I’ve been inspired by their wisdom, their commitment to making luxury more affordable, responsible and ethical, and their undying love for the planet.
As for my daughter? Well, she is following in her Mommy’s hoof prints and already planning her first world tour. Sassy little thing she is!
LUC8K: A Decade of Decadent Delights
LUC8K started with a dream, and none of us could have imagined where this journey would take us. There were small beginnings, we had big hopes, and each of us had a stubborn streak that meant we absolutely refused to give up. That’s the thing about people with good hearts - they may not always know exactly how they’ll get there, but somehow they keep moving forward anyway. Bit by bit. Step by step. Hoof by hoof.
Since then, I’ve shared sunsets, stories, tears, tantrums, and magical moments that reminded me, and us all just how precious life really is.
I’ve stood proudly beside conservation heroes, like Matt from the Global Conservation Corporation (GCC) who does amazing work out here in Africa teaching and inspiring the next generation of Park Rangers and game changers. Plus, don’t tell my husband this, but he’s quite an attractive young man too…
I’ve made friends with so many funky fashionistas including Marco Rossi - a sustainable dress designer in Italy who actually thought he was far more glamorous than me! (He wasn’t. Obviously.)
However, my darlings, do you know what the greatest part of travelling has been? Not the fancy places. Not the cameras. Not even the free champagne (Okay, maybe the bubbles a little bit.)
No my dears, the people. Always the people. I think sometimes we forget how powerful kindness really is, and I’ve seen how a single person choosing compassion can create a ripple that travels farther than any of us can imagine.
Over the years, I’ve met wildlife keepers who speak about animals with tears in their eyes because they care so deeply. I’ve met volunteers who quietly dedicate their weekends to helping others without ever asking for recognition. I’ve met children who understand conservation better than many adults.
And perhaps most importantly, I’ve met some people who reminded me that even when the world feels heavy, goodness still exists everywhere. The world is super-duper-bat-doo-doo crazy now and it feels loud, fast, and a little bit frightening - but if these ten years have taught me anything, it’s that people are still capable of extraordinary love.
Every time someone rescues an animal. Every time someone chooses empathy over cruelty. Every time someone donates, supports, educates, or simply cares. Every time someone plants a tree (that’s why we partner with Switch2Zero who work with us and other responsible companies around the world to plant millions of trees each year.)
You can never underestimate the true power of caring. A sexy, sassy, mindful giraffe never would ;)
Sophie’s World Tour Of Wonder
I don’t know about you my darlings, but anniversaries always make me feel a tad emotional.
One minute I’m smiling at old wildlife photographs of me and my family, the next I’m singing and dancing along to a dance remix of Rod Stewart’s ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy!’ Not that I’ve been doing that at all. Nope, definitely not…
But I can definitely look back fondly at all the adventures I’ve been on with a sense of pride. There are so many highlights over the years that my little giraffe heart could burst. From enjoying afternoon tea with the British Royal Family, to being the tallest passenger to ever ride in a Thai Tuk Tuk, it has been a real honour and a privilege for me to represent the LUC8K brand all over the world.
Another Sophie LUC8K Exclusive
And speaking of things that are outrageously fabulous, rebellious, and completely one of a kind - have you SEEN our absolutely stunning anniversary tote? The LUC8K FAC51 is a code that stands for a moment in time that changed music, culture, and an entire generation forever. Only 88 pieces exist in the world, each one handcrafted by our little French elves to the exquisite standard you expect from LUC8K. Like me, it is bold, fearless and utterly unique darlings!
LUC8K: Thank You For Walking Beside Us
Before I get a little too emotional (tipsy) and my mascara runs all down my spots again, I just want to say a huge THANK YOU to you, my beloved followers and fellow fashionistas.
Thank you for following me on my adventures near and far. Thank you for supporting LUC8K and believing in kindness and caring about what you wear and how and where it was made. We are proud to be made in France, and we will always care deeply about making sure everything we do is as sustainable as humanly possible. Thank you for choosing responsible luxury over fast fashion.
MWAH! A big giraffe kiss to those who’ve been here since the beginning, and for those just joining our growing little family…welcome! Thank you all for being part of our story so far.
Ten years ago, LUC8K was turned from a dream into reality by my good friend and mentor Karen Olivo. It seems like only yesterday we met at a drinking hole - and we’ve been to quite a few together since ;)
But LUC8K was built and continues to grow by a community of people who believe the world can be better. And after ten extraordinary years, I truly believe that too.
So, as I hold aloft the first of many glasses of bubbly, I say here’s to the memories. Here’s to the laughter. Here’s to all the people we’ve met, and the wonderful partnerships we’ve made and been inspired by along the way. Here’s to the animals and the humans we continue to protect.
And here’s to the future.
May it be wild. May it be brave, hopeful, colourful and compassionate. Like my favourite champagne beige and black LUC8K Tote, may it be exactly as you want it to be.
And may we all continue reaching higher.
After all, that’s what giraffes do best.
Big Love,
Sophie the Giraffe (LUC8K Globe Trotting Brand Ambassador and Queen of Spotify)
