The first time MADE IN KIN met Leroy Chen, he was assisting our photographer during one of our portrait shoots. Quiet, capable and endlessly helpful, he drew little attention to himself throughout the day. It wasn’t until the very end of the shoot, mentioned casually by someone else, that it was revealed he was also the founder of streetwear label Lost and Found.

Based in Naarm (Melbourne), Leroy carries the kind of understated creative energy that doesn’t need to announce itself loudly. Raised within a Chinese and Hong Kong background, he speaks fondly about the people, food, clothing and sense of community tied to his heritage.

Across fashion and visual design, Leroy is most drawn to work that feels personal and story-driven. Growing up in Australia shaped his belief that honesty and effort resonate more deeply than polish alone, while the collision of streetwear, sport, art and multicultural life continues to influence how he creates.

Like many creatives existing between cultures, Leroy is interested in pushing beyond narrow expectations placed on diaspora voices. He hopes to see more trust given to creatives who don’t fit neatly into one narrative or identity category – people able to tell stories that feel layered, contemporary and reflective of how multicultural Australia actually looks and feels today.