Mexico City-based artist & FOUNDER OF the slow fashion brand, LEFTY.

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Join us as we chat about Ebru marbling, owning a brand, living in Mexico City, and more.

Before we start, for those who don’t know you, share with us what you do and where you’re based!  

My name is Izzy Kross, and I own a textile company [Lefty] specializing in the Ebru marbling technique. I hand print textiles in my home studio here in Mexico City and make clothing and home goods with them. I’m originally from NYC, so I split my time between there and Mexico City. 

How did you come up with the name Lefty?

I’m left-handed, and I grew up feeling really proud of being a lefty. I always asked people if they were right or left-handed, to try and find other people like me. I think it’s fascinating that we’re ruled by the other side of our brain than right-handed people, and us left-handed people are only 10 percent of the population. Since left-handed people feel very rare, very hard to find, I thought it was the perfect name for my brand. All of our pieces stand out from the crowd and are a little different than your every day. That’s how it feels to be a lefty ;)

Before Lefty became the brand that it is today, was the goal always to own a brand with roots in fashion? 

Oddly enough, yes. I actually studied animation/video production in college, so I really didn’t have any experience in fashion before starting Lefty. The idea began with wanting to create a simple cotton pant with unique prints - a “statement pant” if you will, to quote my fave Emma Chamberlain. When I was in the process of sourcing fabric, I was really unhappy with the selection of prints available. I didn't want another plaid, I didn't want another polka dot. So, I remembered meeting a few artists who had been using the marbling technique in their work, and I thought, that would be such a fun way to make endlessly one-of-a-kind textiles that couldn’t be replicated. So, I veered off into teaching myself how to marble. It was such an amazing and satisfying process, that it became the main focus of the business. Instead of it being a fashion brand that sometimes marbles, it became a marbled textile company that makes clothes, home goods, and accessories. 

All of your pieces utilize the Ebru marbling technique. For those who don’t know, can you explain what marbling is? 

Yes! It is an ancient art form, originating in Turkey and Central Asia, that requires a thickened water to float paints on in order to create each print. It is impossible to create the same print twice, as it all depends on where the paint is thrown, and how it flows on the surface of the water. The fabric picks up exactly what paint it touches when it touches the water. I have a large custom vat in my studio where I print in blocks of 1-2 yards. It is a truly beautiful process, and I never tire of it. If you want to see it in action, I have lots of process videos on my IG and TikTok. Are we all TikTok girlies now?

Can you walk us through your first time with marbling?

I found the technique as a way to create one of a kind prints that I could make my dream garments from. The process of marbling is precarious and its success depends on lots of different factors. It wasn’t easy to get the right balance of everything at first - I think it took a solid 2 years of trial and error. I spent lots of time reading random online blogs to gather information about what works and what doesnt - and what works for me might not work for other marblers. It’s a really interesting community. I talk to a lot of people online about my process, and it’s always so interesting to share all the weird techniques we’ve developed to make it work. I love my little marbling community. If you want to start, please hit my line! I’m an open book.

Something really cool about Lefty is it’s a slow-fashion approach. Why did you choose to go this route?

It seemed like the only way to do it (with a clean conscious) in this current climate. When I started playing with the idea of Lefty, a lot of people in the industry told me I would have to bring something to the table that wasnt already there. The marbling for sure was part of that, but I also felt it had to appeal to customers who dont want to contribute to the wastefulness of the fashion industry, and most industries for that matter.

Lefty is circular production - all of the scraps from our clothing are repurposed into accessories. Even in the studio I use imperfect prints on fabric or paper to test out new techniques, etc. Nothing goes to waste. We also make everything in such small batches, that I rarely have anything sitting around in stock. In addition to that, I don’t use hang tags or other kinds of packaging that will ultimately end up in the trash. Not easy to do in a world of PR unboxing videos, but I think every little thing counts, and being as sustainable as possible is really important to me.

What’s one aspect of being an owner of a brand that’s surprised you?

I think all of it has *pleasantly* surprised me. One of the main things that stands out is - when you love something enough, all the “work” just flows out of you, and you will be surprised by yourself and what you can do. That has been the most surprising and by far the most rewarding. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. 

When you’re not currently working on Lefty, what could we typically find you getting up to?

I love to have dinner parties with my friends, I love exploring a new part of Mexico City - a new taco spot, a new market, a new neighborhood. There are so many things to do here, it never gets boring. I’m definitely more of a day-time hang, so on the weekends I like to explore, then come home, order something decadent, and watch movies (send me some of your faves!)

Who or what is currently inspiring you right now ?

This is such a fun question! I’m currently working on a re-brand and website update, so I’ve been looking into lots of things for inspiration. For that, I’ve been really inspired by vintage japanese package design, hyper saturated photography, and primary colors. On a personal note, I’ve been really inspired by routine, journaling, therapy, less phone time, and all that good stuff. For the astrology heads, I just entered my 6th house annual profection year (just turned 29!) meaning I am really leaning into those Virgo themes ;)

Understanding your surroundings and where you’re based, do you think these have influenced your work in any capacity?

This is a great question. I think my initial environment would have yielded the opposite from what I’m doing now. But that is classic me - I love to take the least obvious route. When I started to learn how to marble, I built a big wooden frame to print in, and I did it in the living room of my Bed-Stuy apartment that I shared with 4 other girls at the time. They were really generous to let me do that… haha. When the pandemic hit, I moved in with my grandma, who lives Upstate, and she let me set up in her garage, so I finally did have all the space needed to really make it happen. That’s when I was able to really launch Lefty. Then, I moved in with my sister and her family to a big house in the south of Mexico City. They were also incredibly generous to give me the entire roof for the purpose of my studio. Now, I have my own place with a home studio.

I think the move away from NYC has definitely allowed me to expand my business, as it can be difficult to find the space needed to do this kind of printing there. The goal for this year is to find a separate studio space, a space just dedicated to Lefty. I really want to host classes on marbling, and I think a separate space would be perfect for that. Stay tuned! 

Before we let you *almost* go, where can we find you & Lefty?  

Shop online at www.lefty.nyc/shop, and follow us on Tiktok and IG @lefty.worldwide, and my personal IG is @creasyboy1 <3

Let’s Get Deep 

What’s your theme song?

I would have to split it between two moods because there is no in between for me. I cant stop listening to Disco Inferno by 50 cent (I even requested it at the club the other night) and have been on a real Max B kick (nothing new there) but when I’m feeling more chill I’ve had Lovers Rock by Sade and I Started a Joke by the BeeGees on repeat. I know, a wild mix…

Night In or Night Out

1000000% night in. One thing about me? I will be cozy. 

When do you feel most you?

When I’m alone in the morning, drinking my matcha, and planning my day.

What’s something you’re obsessed with right now?

My 32oz water bottle and not overthinking an outfit before I leave the house.

Call or Text?

Text, but I do love a phone call…try me!

When was the last time you cried?

Driving by myself in upstate NY on New Years day blasting Linger by the Cranberries

When’s the last time you laughed?

The other night when my friend said he was going to change his IG bio to “WARNING! I’m fucking crazy.”

Current favorite follow on social media?
My favorite is LinMixonthetrack on tiktok. I love her, she is everything. No further questions your honor.

Lastly, what’s one thing you would tell your 16-year-old self?

Okay, please bear with my cheesiness -I would tell 16 year old Izzy that it gets better, and you deserve and will have all the things you want to achieve in life <3 Life is meant to be enjoyed!

Find more of Izzy & Lefty here:

TikTok: @lefty.worldwide

Lefty’s Insta: @lefty.worldwide

Izzy’s Insta: @creasyboy1

Listen to Izzy’s Playlist: Here