Carel van Laere was born in Leiden, Holland in the autumn of 1960. 

His father, an industrial designer/sculptor of sweets, encouraged creativity and free expression from an early age.

 

Carel transfers to Amsterdam in 1980 to study at the prestigious Art Academy.  The eccentric personalities and the night life of the Dutch capital unleash his passion for creativity.

Under the artistic name “Lerac,” he designs custom pieces for an avante garde clientele and his creations conquer the advertising and video world.  His unique pieces are worn by creative personalities within the most exclusive clubs of Amsterdam.

 

In 1997 Milan, Italy becomes the base of operations for the designer. 

Carel recuperates vintage clothing and recycles fabric and leather inventing new techniques:  his use of tools, traditional tailoring instruments and industrial sewing machines is totally innovative. 

Silicone and applied organic embroidery, primitive and irregular, are distinctive signatures of his work.

The “Open Tailor” jacket revives an Italian artisinal tradition, but with the transgressive touch of Carel. 

The surface is peeled back to reveal the soulful sartorial structure and a new work is born.

 

The line "Carel van Laere -unique pieces-" marks the designer’s international success.

Musicians and performers are enthusiasts choosing pieces by Carel for very important occasions. 

Steven Tyler, Howard Jones, Carmen Consoli, Gianna Nannini, Freddy Ljunberg, Pino Daniele, Marco Borsato, Federico Poggipollini, Vinicio Capossela are admirers of Carel’s style.

The new “lifestyle shop” Ron Herman and Barneys Tokyo, Full in Milan acquire the collection.