Before we get into the top 5 things we're loving about Lalesso's Spring/Summer 2011 collection, allow us to give you a little background. Founded in 2005, Lalesso is the brainchild of Olivia Kennaway and Alice Heuser - two friends who turned their love for "lesso" (kanga print) into ethically-produced made-in-Kenya pieces that have found love all over. Their latest collection is high on our wish list for the following 5 reasons:
i) Lots of pretty patterns printed on 100% natural viscose and transformed into loose, something-for-everyone silhouettes.
ii) It's made in Kenya (by Soko Kenya, also responsible for ASOS Africa) by Kenyans, thus creating jobs and improved living standards for locals :-) Yay ethical standards and fair trade :-)
iii) We've found Lalesso's prints interesting in the past but the pieces in this collection are significantly more sophisticated and charming, including the solid blacks and whites.
iv) It's so nicely shot (in Kenya!) and accessorised (with pieces from a collaboration with Jennifer Kinnear; also made in Kenya!). Watch it all come to life in this accompanying video.
v) Lalesso's price points are usually super pocket-friendly and when the collection debuts in November, we'll more than likely be indulging in a piece or two! Enjoy some of our favourites from the collection below:
Very fabulous!
See the entire collection here.
XO