Specialising in handmade leather handbags, LaLaQueen have launched their online boutique in conjunction with their new collection. Designed by Sally Sarieddine, each piece is limited and unique and finished off with sprinkles of fairy dust, which is the secret recipe to its success.
Catering to those who treat themselves with royalty, these bags are designed for women with rich souls and magical hearts.
House of Coco went behind the brand to find out more…
When did you launch the brand and what was the reason behind it?
LalaQueen was established in 2011. The reason behind it was inspiration of different culture and patterns.
Whats your background?
Sally Sarieddine is a Lebanese-born, UAE-raised, British-educated fashion designer and businesswoman, largely involved in bringing fashion back to individual authenticity and self-expression.
Coming from a versatile background where she melded theatre and advertising, Sally embarked on the path of fashion design when she joined the widely acclaimed Central Saint Martins College in London.
How many people are involved in the company and what are their roles?
LalaQueen’s team members are a family of 5!
Sally Sarrieddine “THE Ultimate LalaQUEEN”: The Founder and Creative Designer,
Layal Ghosn “The Connections”: Our Public Relation guru
Maria Kritsiligkou “The Whiz”: Our Internet Marketing manager
Nariman Kurdi “The Get Stuff Done”: Our luxury lifestyle business consultant
Omar Sarrieddine “The Brain”: Calculations calculations and more calculations
Tell us one fact about you that people wouldn’t know?
I’m influenced with everything my heart connects with.
Vintage, Urban chic, Street, boho so when I am designing an item my creativity has to be channeled by culture mosaics and a journey of self-discovery
2015 is here, where do you plan on taking the brand?
LalaQueen aspires to become an international leading fashion label. Recognized for excellence in craftsmanship, and design. The Company consistently maintains the high standards established thus far by contributing positively to the community and environment.
Also in 2015, we want to encourage collaborations with designers and artists within the industry through joint efforts.
To date, what has been the highlight since launching?
LalaQueen is one of the very first Luxury Fashion Label in Lebanon to have ethically sourced vegetable tanned leather handmade handbags. We are a strong advocate for vegetable tanning leather, fair trade and having strong business values so our company has been growing organically in a beautiful way.
When the company first started we were the first online boutique for bags in the middle east, collaborating with the artist Hatty Pedder to design our website and to do illustrations that we printed on some leather handbags and clutches.
Which city do you feel most at home in, London, Paris or New York?
London
Three beauty products you can’t leave the house without?
My perfume, Hand cream, and mascara.
Style means….?
Expression of personality and lifestyle.
Best thing about London to you?
City lights at night.
Statement shoe or statement bag?
Dr.Bag from LaLaQueen it is a statement handbag, since it is an essential accessory, which defines a woman.
If you had to, what piece of clothing from your wardrobe would you wear everyday?
My Dr. Bag. Because when I wear it it makes me feel like I have a rich soul and magical heart.
Best place for a coffee?
Anywhere, as long as I am in good company.
Guilty pleasure?
French Fries
If you could spent 24 hours in anywhere in the world, where would it be?
North Pole
In future, how do you plan on expanding the company?
When the company first started we were the first online boutique for bags in the middle east, collaborating with the artist Hatty Pedder to design our website and to do illustrations that we printed on some leather handbags and clutches. We then opened a showroom in Hamra, and did the opening in Beirut Design Week in 2013. After participating in Fashion Forward in Dubai and selling out all our pieces at the event we got an invitation to do a fashion presentation in London Fashion Week in 2014. We just came back from London, we were showcasing our latest collection in Pure and we worked with a creative photographers Aleksandra Kingo and Ezzedine Alwan to do a photo shoot that we will be revealing in the next 2 weeks. Since the beginning of LalaQueen, Narimane Kurdi Managing Director of NK Luxury Consultancy has been mentoring LalaQueen. She helped to have a better understanding on how the industry works, This year’s focus with her will be to work on refining the business and strengthening the marketing and operation structure
Where can people find out more?
If your looking for a bespoke design you can find us on our website: www.LalaQueen.com
And on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @LalaQueenMe