Lahana does seasonal drops and small collection drops in between, thats a lot of designing! Can you take us through your process? and How you develop your collections?
I always start by making a mood board. To inspire me, I find images, colours, shapes or even quotes that resonate. The creation of a mood board always helps give me a more precise direction for a new range.
I then research hundred of prints and colours that speak to that mood board. Colours are what inspire me, so it helps me to visualise the collection before I start sketching. I create the cuts and designs around the prints and colourways that I am most vibing off.
Sometimes an idea I start with is not what ends up materialising, as the colour and prints always take me on a journey, that's the beauty that lies in the creative process of designing.
I will then start to draw up sketches. I draw as many as I can and alter designs as I go until I'm happy with the final results. When I am designing, I'm always considering what shapes our girl-gangs love, different body types and degrees of coverage.
My favourite part, once the sketches are complete, is to have a meeting with the team. We will have a group session with feedback and choose our favourite designs/prints. I am then able to pick the final cuts and prints we will sample and ultimately run with for that collection.
Then we start the sampling process with the designs and swatches of prints. Sampling can take up to 3 - 4 rounds before we get the perfect fit and colour shade. Then voila! A new collection is born!