Lontessa is a fashion label from New Zealand-raised, Singapore-based designer.
Tessa Lont launched her brand in 2014. Deeply immersed in the rich tapestry of Maori culture and the wild, magic beauty of her native New Zealand, Lont takes her inspiration from the lore of her people and thoughtful engagement with the sustainability of materials and the elevated life cycles of her garments.
Passionate about honouring materials and practice, Lont is proud to introduce possum fur outerwear to the globe and into the luxury sphere; leading the conversation on the conservation of New Zealand’s natural flora and sustainable hunting, not farming.
Lontessa is pleased to offer lines of Made-to-Order, Ready To Wear and Intimate Apparel.
A TALK WITH TESSA LONT, FOUNDER OF LONTESSA
33: Does your brand position itself as a SUSTAINABLE brand?
I don’t overproduce with the pressure to push sales of items people will throw away fast. I make timeless quality items that fit well and last a life time. I use fabrics with the least amount of harm to the environment. I have an ongoing exploration and adoption of processes that are not wasteful. I want to continue raising awareness of these values.
We need to be conscious about what we buy, we should think of everything as keepsake in honour of a place and your identity.
33: How the brand was born and how many people are involved in the team now?
We have a team of 4 employees also going on 5, but I also have great friends that help me out.
33: What do you think is the biggest challenge for Lontessa right now?
Right at this moment, it is the transition of acquiring the stock, staff and store from the previous brand and infusing and merging my philosophies without scaring people away.
33: How do you want to achieve the long-lasting concept for your brand?
I want my brand and philosophy’s to be a ritual that is timeless through meticulous design and a ceremony of style.
33: How do you determine what is durable design?
We need to celebrate an intrinsic connection to our environment and lifestyle, paying attention to classic shapes and details.
33: What happens to that part of a production that does not get sold?
Our garments are timeless enough to use any season. We can easily alter or reconstructed a garment for a different purpose.
33: How far do you go in terms of sustainability?
I look at my Maori cultural philosophies. The earth is our mother and we must take care of her.
33: Where could you serve as a role model for others?
Lontessa exists to revere in all that is beautiful in the world: the self, all women and the philosophies of my cultural heritage. Our past informs the future, memories weaved into quality fabrics to adorn the body with graceful tactility.
FOR MORE, PLEASE VISIT: https://www.lontessa.com/
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