A B O U T U S
B E H I N D T H E B R A N D, L A L E S E T S A.
La Lesetsa is a concept brand that creates artisan-made fashion using natural and upcycled textiles.
We have a few wedding dresses on offer, custom-made wedding dresses and event wear for women who dress elegantly conscious of the world around them by supporting slow, ethical, seeking to be sustainable fashion.
La Lesetsa is conscious that the fashion industry, as a whole, is the second most pollutant industry on the planet. At La Lesetsa we seek to use resources wisely and treat our fellow humans with respect and dignity. The Earth is finite with limited resources and for far too long it has been accepted in the fashion industry to ignore this. Workers in Fashion Industry, such as garment factory workers, are also often underpaid and mistreated. We will not support this!
S E E K I N G S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y
FABRICS & REPURPOSED TEXTILES:
“Upcycle: to reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original.”1
At La Lesetsa upcycling is used in all our ranges in different ways. Whether it means reusing different elements of preloved garments, repurposing lace, or creating new textiles through patchwork and texturing. Fabrics are sourced as close to home as possible and we preferably buy natural fabrics or deadstock fabrics. The preloved garments we upcycle are sometimes donated or otherwise bought from local thrift stores and charity shops. Donations are also accepted of preloved clothing that is torn or worn out, and is then what fabric is still in good condition is selectively used.
“Natural Fibres: natural fibre, any hair like raw material directly obtainable from an animal, vegetable, or mineral source and convertible into nonwoven fabrics such as felt or paper or, after spinning into yarns, into woven cloth.”2
INDIVIDUALLY AND ARTISAN-MADE:
La Lesetsa garments are individually hand-cut, sewn, and then finished by hand. Our garments are of heirloom quality, that will be treasured in any wardrobe for years to come. Each design is consciously designed to create minimal wastage. Pieces are finished by hand, many of which are hand embroidered, adding a personal touch.
“Artisan: a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand.” Street markets where local artisans display handwoven textiles, painted ceramics, and leather goods” 3
At La Lesetsa our desire is to create garments that will be treasured across generations, we do offer customisation on many of our pieces, as well as a lifetime repair guarantee.
M E E T T H E T E A M
J E S S I C A L E S E T S A
FOUNDER & FASHION DESIGNER
After obtaining her BA in Fashion Design, Jessica worked in the NGO space upskilling women using crochet and sewing. It was here that her love for working with women and creating handmade beauty meshed together. She is based in Pretoria and calls it home alongside her husband, “Aubs”.
“After completing my studies, I didn’t like the Fashion Industry. I was not a fan of consumerism, it felt fake and empty. However, when the focus started to shift to the hands and hearts behind the clothes, my interest returned. I love working with women, hearing their stories, and celebrating when they put love into their work. My life is no more valuable than hers. When we work in a team of artisans, our relationship is built on mutual respect. We should be able to work in an environment that fights for each individual to have equal opportunity. I hope to leave a legacy that impacts others for good.
At the moment this is a one-woman operation. In time, we hope to soon add to the team. Creating a work environment that is safe, happy and healthy. Where women can earn a fair living wage, and where their futures are invested in.
B E H I N D T H E B R A N D,
L A L E S E T S A.
La Lesetsa is a concept brand that creates artisan-made fashion using natural and upcycled textiles.
We have a few wedding dresses on offer, custom-made wedding dresses and event wear for women who dress elegantly conscious of the world around them by supporting slow, ethical, seeking to be sustainable fashion.
La Lesetsa is conscious that the fashion industry, as a whole, is the second most pollutant industry on the planet. At La Lesetsa we seek to use resources wisely and treat our fellow humans with respect and dignity. The Earth is finite with limited resources and for far too long it has been accepted in the fashion industry to ignore this. Workers in Fashion Industry, such as garment factory workers, are also often underpaid and mistreated. We will not support this!
S E E K I N G
S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y
FABRICS & REPURPOSED TEXTILES:
“Upcycle: to reuse (discarded objects or material) in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original.”1
At La Lesetsa upcycling is used in all our ranges in different ways. Whether it means reusing different elements of preloved garments, repurposing lace, or creating new textiles through patchwork and texturing. Fabrics are sourced as close to home as possible and we preferably buy natural fabrics or deadstock fabrics. The preloved garments we upcycle are sometimes donated or otherwise bought from local thrift stores and charity shops. Donations are also accepted of preloved clothing that is torn or worn out, and is then what fabric is still in good condition is selectively used.
“Natural Fibres: natural fibre, any hair like raw material directly obtainable from an animal, vegetable, or mineral source and convertible into nonwoven fabrics such as felt or paper or, after spinning into yarns, into woven cloth.”2
INDIVIDUALLY AND ARTISAN-MADE:
La Lesetsa garments are individually hand-cut, sewn, and then finished by hand. Our garments are of heirloom quality, that will be treasured in any wardrobe for years to come. Each design is consciously designed to create minimal wastage. Pieces are finished by hand, many of which are hand embroidered, adding a personal touch.
“Artisan: a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand.” Street markets where local artisans display handwoven textiles, painted ceramics, and leather goods” 3
At La Lesetsa our desire is to create garments that will be treasured across generations, we do offer customisation on many of our pieces, as well as a lifetime repair guarantee.
M E E T T H E T E A M
J E S S I C A L E S E T S A
FOUNDER & FASHION DESIGNER
After obtaining her BA in Fashion Design, Jessica worked in the NGO space upskilling women using crochet and sewing. It was here that her love for working with women and creating handmade beauty meshed together. She is based in Pretoria and calls it home alongside her husband, “Aubs”.
“After completing my studies, I didn’t like the Fashion Industry. I was not a fan of consumerism, it felt fake and empty. However, when the focus started to shift to the hands and hearts behind the clothes, my interest returned. I love working with women, hearing their stories, and celebrating when they put love into their work. My life is no more valuable than hers. When we work in a team of artisans, our relationship is built on mutual respect. We should be able to work in an environment that fights for each individual to have equal opportunity. I hope to leave a legacy that impacts others for good.
At the moment this is a one-woman operation. In time, we hope to soon add to the team. Creating a work environment that is safe, happy and healthy. Where women can earn a fair living wage, and where their futures are invested in.
