Sarah Sukumaran is the founder and CEO of Lilith NYC, a Queens-based luxury footwear brand. Named after the first bibically referenced woman on Earth, Lilith NYC launched in 2020 with a brand new (and unapologetically feminine) footprint on the sneaker industry’s neck. Sarah’s design ethos embodies the fashion culture of her childhood in ‘90s-era Queens, while infusing vibrant colors and thoughtful details for the female shoppers that most brands don’t care to consider.
Luckily, Sarah had a few minutes to speak on what she’s up to (and into) lately.
Name: Sarah Sukumaran
Age: 36
Zodiac Sign: Libra Sun, Scorpio Rising, Gemini Moon
Where are you from, and where are you right now?
I was born and raised in Elmhurst, Queens and now reside not too far away in East Elmhurst, Queens.
What’s your first memory with streetwear?
Growing up in New York during the ‘90s, streetwear was everywhere, but I was definitely influenced by watching hip hop videos on this channel called The Box; you had to dial in and request & pay for music videos. They would play Lost Boyz, Wu Tang/Method Man/Raekwon on loop, so Timbs and Wallabees stood out. Everyone in NY was wearing bright Columbia fleeces, Avirex and North Face Nuptse jackets, oversized Nautica/Ralph Lauren tees, & Tommy Hilfiger polos. I still remember my down red & blue Nautica jacket. And I wore a lot of Ecko in the early 2000s as well.
If you had to compress your personal style into one outfit, what would it be?
For the summer, I’d have to say kaftan & kicks. NYC is humid and gross so I like the comfort of a loose dress. But fall is my favorite season - so a great long, statement coat and kicks. I like to express my personality through outerwear and footwear along with accessories, so I always wear my ring stacks and some sort of crossbody bag.
Can you speak to the journey of Lilith NYC - how the brand conceptualized and blossomed?
I was in my late 20s, still shopping for footwear in the men’s section, and realized there was so much more to be done for women consumers around size inclusivity and changing how we communicate to women across brand touchpoints. When I was working for a large footwear brand, I realized everyone (the industry) was moving too slow for my taste, so I decided to quit and try my hand at creating a brand from the ground up. I wanted to flip the hypermasculine POV and build a brand rooted in divine feminine.
You can only wear three shoes for the rest of your life — what are they? Be specific…
Lilith NYC Caudal Lure’s in Kali Blue - my current favorite colorway!
Air Max 95 - I wore these a lot as a kid and still remember a pair that I owned which was midnight navy and had a bit of fuschia accents.
Air Max Plus & Air Max Plus 97 - I probably own the most of these styles in my sneaker collection; pure nostalgia and had so many colorways as a kid so definitely my favorite.
Streetwear style icon: Jerry Lorenzo - I dress more femme these days, but I have my days where I dress down and Jerry’s style is just so effortless and put together. A wool coat over a sweatsuit set is so easy and perfect.
Your last (or favorite) Instagram follow: Audemars Piguet - I’ve always been obsessed with watches, and lately I just like following different watch brand accounts. Growing up, I always preferred oversized watches as part of my tomboy aesthetic and I don’t think I’ve outgrown that.
What’s your biggest creative or career milestone so far? What’s your biggest creative or career goal right now?
I’d have to say building and launching Lilith NYC has been my biggest creative milestone to date. I worked in tech prior and never felt like I identified as a “creative.” But I’ve since discovered my love of color theory and materials, and I love thinking about how Lilith shows up in the world. I’m looking forward to exploring that more as I grow the brand.
What’s your dream collaboration?
I’m manifesting a few so I’m going to keep my lips sealed for now!
What are you currently working on?
New silhouettes & partnering with retailers to carry our collection.
What’s inspiring you right now?
Nature and New York in general. Spring in New York these past few weeks has been gorgeous with all the trees in full bloom. After being cooped up for years due to COVID, I’ve been taking long walks and falling in love with the city all over again.
When do you feel the most empowered?
As of late, all the well-wishes on Lilith and the moves we’re making has me definitely feeling empowered and realizing we’re right where we belong. I love hearing from folks in every corner of the world on how Lilith makes them feel seen. That’s always been my goal.
What needs to change about the current streetwear landscape, to make it more inclusive?
I always say leadership at large brands needs to be less white male, women and POC need to be given decision-making roles.
What woman in streetwear/sneaker history would you like to see get her flowers?
My girl Brittney Perry, founder of the footwear company Perry & Co. She’s out here changing the game - there’s not alot of women-owned or led companies but Britt took the leap as well to start her own brand.
Keep up with Sarah, and Lilith NYC, on Instagram.
Best interview ever.