Captivated by the beautiful patterns and vibrant colours of the 'khanga' or 'lesso' the traditional attire of Kenyan women, Olivia Kennaway and Alice Heusser launched their label Lalesso in Cape Town in 2005.
Lalesso's designs are fresh, modern and commercial. Inspired by Kenyan tradition.
Image from Lalesso website
Image from Lalesso website
It was important from the beginning for Lalesso to involve a socially responsible method of manufacturing. They opened their own workshop in Diani Beach, Kenya with two seamstresses. They now have a team of thirty tailors working with them. The local community are involved as much as possible with various projects such as unemployed 'beach boys' hand-carving buttons from deccaying coconuts and local nuns making crochet by hand. Lalesso work with an aim to boost the income and livelihoods of these individuals.
With a design talent and philosophy such as this, it comes as no surprise that Lalesso recently received the Innovation award from the Ethical Fashion Forum.
