Talking fashion, self-care, and entrepreneurship with Lily Adel (@lilyadel), founder and creative director of CLYQUE and long-time friend of Lux Unfiltered founder Sivan.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself (Name, age, profession)
A: Hi friends! My name is Lily Adel, I just turned 38 and I am the founder and creative director for CLYQUE. CLYQUE is an elevated basics brand that was created over 5 years ago to fill a personal void in my own wardrobe, that has blossomed into a multi-category essential collection of staples. I have been in the retail / fashion space for just about 22 years, having worked as a sales associate, buyer, manager, to now designer, creative director, the list is endless. Having had a full circle resume of experience in all realms of fashion prepared me for owning & operating my own business that fulfills me - and my closet - completely!
Q: How do you maintain your tan while working full time?
A: I learned in my early thirties that in order to maintain my sanity throughout the day to day chaos of entrepreneurship, self-care is key. I take the time to instill routines like exfoliating and applying N°32 tanning cream twice a week, and daily nourishment with N°14 body cream and the N°12 face drops each morning. Specifically in the winter months, this is a non-negotiable and helps keep my summer skin year round despite the workload.
Q: What are your favorite ways spend time outside of being a boss?
A: Currently, hiking with my soon to be one year old Doberman is a therapeutic favorite for me, yet I really love to unwind with friends and family that fill my cup, a lengthy multi-season show, and scouring Pinterest for never ending inspiration.
Q: Which Lux Unfiltered product is your favorite & why?
A: SELFLESSLY, N°14 body cream because it is named after me : ) But truly, it is the most hydrating lotion that I have been using religiously since its launch. The new scents since have been incredible as well, however Blood Orange is my current favorite. Then I would say the eye patches have become a trusty essential for me as your girl is not a morning person, and they have been my lifeline.
Q: As a business owner, what is some advice you have for maintaining work-life balance?
A: Recognize that prioritizing your life is a form of self care and in order to work effectively, this needs to be honored. Give yourself the grace to rest, refuel, and take care of yourself otherwise you won’t be able to be as productive as your potential! This could be a girl’s dinner, a work out class, an everything shower with at home treatments that could potentially take a few hours, whatever it may be - you owe it to yourself, don’t feel guilty about it.
Q: What’s your best advice for anyone who wants to start a brand?
A: Start small, and focus on quality not quantity! This gives you the opportunity to scale your business, and perfect designs / product without overcommitting financially or logistically. There is no rush, no deadlines, take your time - you can always expand later once you’ve tested the market and refined your process.
Q: Who is your style icon?
A: Today, Zoe Kravitz - perfect balance of MK&A influence mixed with Saint Laurent attitude.
Q: First Lux Unfiltered product you ever tried
A: I was lucky enough to be one of the guinea pigs for testing on N°32 tanning cream prior to launch! Still blown away!!!
Q: Craziest thing you’ve done for your brand?
A: Pack EVERY. SINGLE. ORDER. on my own when we launched in 2019 & sold out in 15 minutes!
Q: Which season are you?
A: For fashion, autumn. For lifestyle, summer.
Q: Favorite LA restaurant?
A: Sunset Tower is for the girlsss!
Q: Drink order?
A: Espresso Martini, sub with Tequila!
Q: Trend you love & hate
A: Love - Two faves; countryside aesthetic & belted blazers!
A: Hate - COQUETTE!!!
