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; its 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, it grew to sixteen. They then instigated the start up of SOKO, the first globally recognised eco and ethical clothing production unit in East Africa. SOKO, launched in 2009, took over all of Lalesso's tailors and machinery and is now a fully functioning production unit available for use by any clothing brand. All tailors are paid over 3 times the average manufacturer's wage (this is not exuberant, just fair). The main aim is to try and improve the quality of living of those employed and after just 4 years, the change in their lives directly, as well as the indirect impact  on their families, 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. They use the delicate brass embellishments of the handicapped people of Bombolulu. Among other various temporary and permanent projects Lalesso strives to boost the income and livelihoods of these disadvantaged citizens.

Lalesso is an exclusively summer fashion and lifestyle brand, bringing you the vibrancy of Africa in a ready to wear package. Find Lalesso where the sun is shining and on www.myasho.com