Local eco-chic Designs
Last week saw the return of Cape Town´s Arise Fashion Week at the CTICC. We got to see our favorite local sustainable label, Lalesso´s show on Thursday evening. After having to wait for an hour for the show – typical fashion week mayhem – we were not disappointed and it was definitely worth hanging around for.
This collection sees Lalesso venture into a new, more sophisticated arena. Whilst maintaining its energetic and playful attitude, the silhouettes are inspired by a classic Urban femininity. With cleverly chosen accents to update the look, Lalesso aims to evoke a sense of a progressiveness within African fashion. The collection also launches four previously unseen prints exclusive to the label, printed on high quality cotton voile. This range is feminine and flirty, making it the perfect holiday wardrobe, however can be dressed up or down to infuse everyday work-wear with vibrance and sunshine.
Background
Lalesso was launched in Cape Town 2005 by 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 off the coast of Kenya. The traditional attire of the local women in these coastal regions is the captivatingly beautiful ´khanga´ or ´lesso´; it´s intrinsic patterns and vibrant colours were the inspiration for the birth of the Lalesso brand.
The pair felt it was necessary to involve a socially responsible method of manufacturing and so set up their own workshop in Diani Beach, Kenya. Starting out with just two seamstresses they now have a team of 22. All tailors are paid over 3 times the average manufacturer´s wage (this is not exuberant, just fair). The working conditions are ideal, hours are flexible to suit their personal restrictions and this is monitored by production targets. They offer a creche facility, loans, sick pay, sick leave, maternity leave, crisis leave. In just 3 years, the change in their lives is clearly visible.
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 disadvantaged citizens. Lalesso instigated the start up of SOKO, an eco and ethical production plant (IFAT and SA8000 certifications).
The liveeco team
