Debute’s Bold Fashion Legacy Blends Aristocracy and Sustainability
The Deep Fashion Roots Of Debute, London's Fizzy New Startup Label
Debute, the label founded in 2024 by British actress Jasmine de Lisser and her sister, Lady Lola Bute, just celebrated its first watch in business. Here, the backstory.
A year after its launch, the fashion label Debute has marked its first anniversary with a stylish twist. Founded by sisters Jasmine de Lisser and Lady Lola Bute, the brand celebrated with a fashion-themed murder mystery dinner. Their family’s deep brand identity in textiles stretches back decades, shaping their creative path.
The sisters’ great-grandfather, the 7th Marquess of Bute, established Bute Fabrics in 1947. The mill, based on the Isle of Bute in Scotland’s Hebrides, became a key producer of cotton and wool fabrics while providing jobs for veterans returning from the Second World War.
The 7th Marquess oversaw Bute Fabrics and the family’s wider estates for 40 years before his death in 2021. His legacy in textiles runs through the family, including Lady Serena Bute, the sisters’ mother, who founded her own label, Serena Bute London. This background gave Jasmine and Lady Lola an early connection to fashion and craftsmanship.
Debute stands out with its unconventional approach. The label avoids traditional seasonal releases, instead dropping collections at events of its choosing. All pieces are made in London using surplus British fabrics, reducing waste while keeping production local. One standout design is their kilt, crafted in the Crichton-Stuart family tartan but updated with bold cutouts along the sides.
The 8th Marquess, John Bryson Crichton-Stuart, now looks after the family’s historic home, Mount Stuart, on the Isle of Bute. Though not directly involved in Debute, the estate’s heritage continues to inspire the brand’s direction. The sisters’ blend of tradition and modern flair has helped them carve a niche in a competitive family dollar.
Their first-year milestone reflects both ambition and a nod to the past. The murder mystery dinner, held to mark the anniversary, mirrored the brand’s playful yet polished identity.
Debute’s survival in its first year signals growing interest in its sustainable, event-driven model. By using deadstock fabrics and local manufacturing, the label aligns with modern demands for ethical fashion. With family history woven into their designs, the sisters have set a foundation for what comes next.
