As the accessory lovers that we are, we’re always on the look out for incredible clutch brands to add to our ever-growing collection. Thus, we were more than ecstatic to discover London-based handbag brand, L’Alingi. Combining luxury materials with an artistic flair of creativity, designer Alia Zaki translates an unparalleled aesthetic into the traditional box-clutch silhouette. Using quirky details like a spoon or rolling pin handle or the shape of a star, each L’Alingi creation uses the finest gold plating, mother of pearl & stone detailing.
Popping up in Dubai in April in d3, we can’t wait to experience some of the brand’s London magic in our favourite city. Prior to the event, we sat down with Alia to discover 7 unknown facts about the label.
Photo: Courtesy of L’Alingi
1. I never actually studied fashion. I kept applying to work at fashion houses and bag designers after working in advertising & branding for a while. My dream was to work for Charlotte Olympia!
2. The story behind the name is that the name sounds italian but is in fact an Arabic word used in today’s Iraqi dialect, meaning tangerine (the fruit). My husband once asked me if we had some ‘lalingi’ from the fridge. Being Lebanese I found the name new and catchy and decided to use it if I were to ever start a business one day.
3. Production started in Italy and moved to the Middle East where it was astonishingly great quality; although most of our materials are still sourced in Italy and France. Changing factories was not an easy option as Italy is indeed a great place to work in, but the designs are challenging to make and it took a lot of time and many trials to get our first bag right!
4. The 2 B’s (Business with a Baby): L’Alingi was launched during my pregnancy and London fashion week was 4 days of feeding and standing at our presentation as I prefer doing everything myself. It is surely tough to balance both and learn how to be efficient the sleepless way!
5. Our trademark was opposed by one of the largest names in Europe but then it was withdrawn after winning our case fair and square. I found it interesting that a multi-million $ company would want to go after start ups as such.
6. Pieces from our first collection were chosen by some of the highest A-list celebrities including the Kardashians. L’Alingi is also proud to have been featured on Vogue Talent and make it to the Grammys and Golden Globes within the first year of launching.
7. Sweet tooth indeed: L’Alingi aspires to branch out into an ice cream parlour / dessert cafe one day!
Photo: Courtesy of L’Alingi
Photo: Courtesy of L’Alingi
Follow L’Alingi: @lalingiofficial