LilaBare

LilaBare is a Kenyan sustainable clothing label, founded in Nairobi in 2017 by Ria Sejpal. The designer is a multidisciplinary artist with South Asian, Kenyan and British roots who calls herself the "mad scientist" behind the label, and her work bridges heritage craft and innovation. The slow design studio values process over speed and craftsmanship over volume, making seasonless pieces meant to become future heirlooms. The label makes dresses, shirts, tops, trousers, kimonos, blazers, jackets, vests, skirts and cardigans in relaxed, considered silhouettes, released in limited runs. Signature pieces include the Ananas Blazer, crafted from handwoven pineapple waste, as well as the Navo Dress, the Hawa Pants Handloom, the Mahi Kimono and the Kazi Shirt. Every piece is designed, dyed, assembled and finished in Nairobi with a network of more than 250 local farmers, spinners, weavers, dyers and embroiderers. Fabrics are mostly engineered in-house from rain-fed cotton and agricultural waste fibres, about 85% of East African origin, and colour comes from botanical dyes such as avocado skins and seeds and tea residue. Some collections rework vintage saris, and buttons are made from upcycled metals, reclaimed shells and coconut and wood waste.