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Profile Information
- Profession / role:
- Designer / Director
- Company / organisation:
- Lalesso
- Website (if you have one):
- www.lalesso.com
- My primary role in relation to fashion is:
- Designer
- I am looking to discover or buy
- buyer contacts
- About me / About business or organisation:
- Ethics and sustainability
The brand fell into the ethical category almost accidentally; when Olivia and Alice were sourcing a manufacturer it became clear that the idea of producing with a 3rd party factory was unbearable and not having control over their ethical credentials was not an option. So, they opened their own workshop in Diani Beach, Kenya. Starting out with just two seamstresses they now have a team of 22 at the workshop (some permanent, some on contract). It became very clear once the workshop got going the difference that this workshop was going to make to all involved. We pay all tailors just over three times the average manufacturer’s wage (this is not exuberant, just fair). The working conditions are fantastic, it is more like working ‘at home’ than at a factory. Hours are flexible to suit their personal restrictions and this is monitored by production targets. All women can bring their young children to work and there is a ‘nanny’ to mind them. We offer loans, sick pay, sick leave, maternity leave, crisis leave. Already, in just 3 years, the change in their lives is visible (please see testimonials written by a few of the team).
As well as being responsible with the workshop team, Lalesso also tries to involve the community in as many ways possible. The ‘Crochet Sisters’ are a group of nuns who make all the crochet by hand. Local Masaai tradesmen make the beaded bracelets used on the swing tags. Unemployed ‘beach boys’ are commissioned to hand carve buttons from decaying coconuts. Among other various temporary and permanent projects Lalesso strives to boost the income and livelihoods of these otherwise struggling individuals.
With the expansion of Lalesso into other sectors (home ware and kids wear) they are also launching a fantastic summer ballet pump. It is made using recycled leather for the sole and recycled ‘khanga’ over the foot; they are extremely comfy and the bright colours and funky prints make it the most unique pump on the shelves this summer! To add to its inimitability is the story behind it; it is made in the Bidii shoe makers workshop in Korogocho, Kenya’s 3rd largest slum. The project was started by women who grew up in the slum and have had some form of trauma, be it AIDS/rape/orphaned; quite simply growing up in a 2m X 2m shack with sewerage as your floor is not easy. This project is giving them a chance to alleviate themselves from this disadvantaged status. Lalesso’s involvement is not charity but it is helping them to achieve this.
- Career history / Company history:
- Background
Lalesso was launched in Cape Town 2005 by co-creators Olivia Kennaway and Alice Heusser. The inspiration behind the brand came from a holiday to Olivia’s home country Kenya where the pair travelled to the remote Island of Lamu on the north coast of Kenya. The traditional ‘uniform’ of the local women in these coastal regions is the captivatingly beautiful ‘khanga’ or ‘lesso’; it’s intrinsic patterns and vibrant colours grasped the attention of Olivia and Alice and in no time they managed to combine fashion college deadlines with the birth of the Lalesso brand. The ideology was centred on transforming this wonderful piece of East African heritage into some stylish, fun and current Western designs. Following the UK launch in January 2007 Lalesso has been featured in numerous magazines including Marie-Claires ‘buy of the day’ and Cosmopolitan’s ‘Designers to look out for’ as well being featured worn by fashion goddess Sienna Miller, featured in a number of weekly glossies.
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