The Art of Unrepeatable Patterns: An Interview with Izzy Kross of Lefty

Words by Marie Anne A.   |   Agosto 2025

In a digital age where fast production often eclipses the value of process, Lefty stands as a quiet rebellion—one swirl at a time. Founded by Brooklyn-based artist and designer Izzy Kross, Lefty is a hand-marbled textile project rooted in experimentation, individuality, and devotion to slow craft. What began as a quest to design the perfect pair of high-rise pants quickly evolved into a full-blown artistic language, with each garment becoming a one-of-a-kind canvas of color, motion, and intention.

In this exclusive interview, Kross speaks candidly about her self-taught journey into the centuries-old art of marbling, how functionality fuels her creativity, and why Lefty is currently undergoing a shift—from commerce-driven production to a more thoughtful, collaborative future. With honesty and fluidity that mirrors her patterns, Izzy invites us into her world where no two pieces are ever alike—and that's exactly the point.

Marie Anne: What first drew you to the art of marbling, and how did Lefty evolve into the creative business it is today?

Izzy Kross: I've always been really interested in clothing, even though I don't have a formal background in fashion. It all started because I wanted to make a very specific pair of pants—the left high rise, which eventually became the first Lefty piece. But I knew from the beginning that I wanted each pair to be completely unique.

I became obsessed with marble printing because, no matter how controlled your process is—using the same colors, applying them in the same order—you can never create the exact same print twice. That unpredictability really drew me in. So even though Lefty began with the idea of pants, the project quickly evolved when I discovered the magic of marbling.

MA: Marbled fabric is so visually rich and full of movement. Can you walk us through your process—both technical and intuitive—when creating a new piece?

IK: I'm completely self-taught, so my marbling journey began with a lot of trial and error—learning through online blogs, tutorials, and just experimenting over the years. As my skills improved, so did the visual identity of Lefty. In the beginning, the liquid in my marbling vat was much looser, so the paints would flow more freely, creating soft, fluid lines. I've always been inspired by the classic stone pattern you see in marbled books and papers, so as I became more confident, I focused on achieving that look and developing what are now the Lefty Signature colorways.

When I start a new batch of garments, I plan out a list of color combinations and test them ahead of time. Each new release includes the signature palettes—along with something new and exciting.

MA: Your designs feel deeply personal, yet very wearable. How do you balance functionality with artistic freedom in your garments and textiles?

IK: Aw, thank you—that means a lot. I think many creatives know that the best place to start is by making what you wish existed in the world. I wanted to design pieces that could be worn like a uniform—comfortable and consistent—but still feel special and one-of-a-kind.

That's where marbling became so central to the project. You can have multiple versions of the same silhouette, but each one feels drastically different thanks to the print. I personally wear a lot of the same shapes over and over, so Lefty has been a way to expand my wardrobe without sacrificing fit or comfort. And yes, since I print every single piece by hand, they're all deeply personal to me.

MA: What are your dreams for the future of Lefty?

IK: I really love marbling and sharing this practice with others. But over the past year, I've started to feel a little burnt out by the constant pressure to sell, sell, sell. I think a lot of artists can relate to that—it's hard to stay focused on creativity when so much energy goes into keeping a business running.

Because of that, Lefty is currently in a transition period. I'm exploring new ways to share my work that feel more fulfilling and authentic. I'm imagining a shift toward teaching—maybe offering marbling workshops—and doing small, artisanal runs of home goods or limited collaborations with brands that want to experiment with marbling. I want to keep making, but in a way that feels sustainable and joyful.

Get to know more of Izzy's work: