Written by AMULYA MISRA for THE DESIGN COLLECTIVE
Upcycling may seem like a new concept to some, but at House of Lonali, this creative reuse has been the guiding principle for their collections since the very start. The label is the brainchild of Lonali Rodrigo, Head Designer and Founder, who started it in 2012. Thereafter, she has taken on the challenge of turning upcycled pre-consumer fabric discards into classic and clean garments and lifestyle products.
Lonali’s basic belief is that consumption should be approached thoughtfully. Hence they strive to provide an uncompromising and unapologetic style that doesn’t hurt or cost the planet. After collecting unwanted textiles that would otherwise find its way into a landfill from large manufacturers, the brand then works with local cottage industries to hand-make their products. This also provides artisan with steady income and fair working conditions, all the while preserving the local craft.
The brand has expanded into London, one of the biggest fashion hubs in the world, to take their vision abroad. From clothes to bags to shoes and even notebooks, their handmade craftsmanship and contemporary take on design is unparalleled in the upcycling world of Southeast Asia. After the brands successful foray in the conscious consumer market, the question on everyone’s mind is– what’s next for the brand? In a quick chat with the creative genius herself, Lonali Rodrigo, the designer gave us a quick glimpse into her upcoming kidswear collection launching next week at The Design Collective!
What can we expect from the kids collection?
Just like what we have for women, we are planning a very fashionable, upcycled collection for kids as well. Each of the pieces will be a very unique one. There will be something new every week or every triweek and that’s something to look forward to. At the same time, we are doing something new and exciting. We are starting a new concept of circularity also with the launch.
What is your inspiration behind the collection?
House of Lonali has always been inspired by the raw material that we get and the people who make it. This time too, our inspiration is coming from people as well. We got some really cute materials and we are creating a unisex collection with t-shirts, shirts, shorts and basically things that both girls and boys can wear and share.
Is there a market in Sri Lanka currently for designer kids wear?
There is a lot of clothing for kids available in Sri Lanka but there are problems that we come across. Kids clothing is a bit expensive as kids do tend to grow up fast and a lot of parents don’t want to spend a lot of money. We are trying to keep the price reasonable and still give you some really nice, beautiful clothing with upcycling.
Do you think it is important kids start to be sustainable from a young age?
I think kids will grow up to be a lot more sustainable than us. Our generation would have to teach them. And if you can make mother’s aware, they get the option of teaching their kids about it. My collection therefore also is for mothers, who are responsible and trying to make the change also.
Kids grow up fast and the struggle to find suitable clothing can be a struggle. This is where our circularity initiative comes in. Now, we are giving them the option of returning the clothes back to us. We will examine and check the clothes extensively and put them into three categories: A, B and C. Grade A clothes will be cleaned and go back on the second sale rack at TDC. To encourage returns, we will give them a discount. For example, if your child has grown from their 1 to 2 years clothes, you can return them and buy 2 to 3 years options at a discount. If, for some reason, the clothes aren’t in a reselling position, we give it to charity. There are plenty of children who are in need of clothing. And finally, if we can’t give it to charity, there is always upcycling. We would simply turn it into new clothing.
For awareness, both environmental and personal, this collection isn’t just for the newer generation but also for new moms and younger generations.
