The international designer fashion brand, Lilla Lane is new on the South African fashion scene. With the limited offering of beautifully styled and exclusive designer accessories that remain timeless and classic, Lilla Lane’s range of handmade genuine leather footwear and handbags are conversation pieces that fill the niche fashionably.
“Slow Fashion” And Quiet Luxury
Established in 2001, the range is designed and styled by talented New York designer and company owner Thora Moss. Behind each Lilla Lane creation lies the artistry of talented Balinese and Javanese artisans who pour their passion and expertise in traditional techniques into every stitch, fold and detail.
The challenge with leather however is that while there are plenty of places that are accustomed to cutting, shaping and stitching the leather into a variety of products such as wallets, bags and jackets, it takes a skilled craftsman’s appreciation of the material to be able to shape it into trend-savvy works of fashion.
A “slow fashion” brand, each item is exquisitely handcrafted from the softest and highest quality, ethically sourced genuine goat and cow leather. Each piece is then hand-dyed, infusing it with artistry and individuality.
Styling That Combines Comfort And Elegance
The brand focuses on leather handbags, shoes and sandals that are remarkably fresh and fun, and showcase a never-ending ability to fashion leather into something exciting and new. Quirky designs such as pyramid bags are just pure fashion fun, while leather crossbody bags in a variety of colour options, keep fans seriously on-trend. The handbag range is further complemented with shoulder bags, totes, hobo bags, clutches and wallets – that can be dressed up or down and transition effortlessly from day to evening.
Comfort and luxury are fundamental to the design and crafting process of the extensive range’s sandals and shoes. Apart from the styles with flat or higher heels, the most popular styles and international bestsellers without a doubt are the mini-wedge heels that combine comfort and elegance. Coupled with delicate folded leather techniques, knitted metal wire mesh and carefully selected shells, beads and crystals that are handsewn, each design is a work of wearable fashion art.
Like the Sayang collection which focuses on precisely stitched and sewn handwork that creates pieces with intricate detailing. The Santana collection uses a different leather technique to create a reptile aesthetic, with whip and cross stitching to create a bohemian style. Diversity is what makes the brand innovative and keeps women from around the world coming back for more. The versatility of the designs is refreshing, as is the construction of each individual item. Each style has been created to be dressed up or down, ensuring endless styling options and longevity in your wardrobe.
Fair Trade And Ethics
The brand’s dedication to excellence extends beyond the collections. Supporting the principles of fair-trade production, every artisan within the organisation is treated with respect. The company invests in their growth and development through proper training, empowering them with the skills necessary to excel in their craft, while acknowledging the importance of work-life balance.
In an industry often characterised by transience, Lilla Lane takes immense pride in the longevity of their staff. Many of the dedicated team members have been with the company since inception more than 20 years ago, which is a testament to the positive and nurturing work environment that has been cultivated.
In addition to the ethically sourced leather, some of Lilla Lane’s styles also incorporate reclaimed leather for an interesting two-tone look.
Where West meets East
Lilla Lane’s headquarters and design studio are based on the beautiful tropical island of Bali, Indonesia. The name originates from a road named after Thora’s Scandinavian mother “Lilla”. The road still exists in East Hampton NY, a renowned artistic community in the United States.
The range is available at select high-end boutiques countrywide and online at www.lillalane.co.za