Global Young Designer Spotlight: LALO

Global Young Designer Spotlight: LALO

Lalo Dolidze is the peppy designer to jazz up your winter wardrobe. Packing just one of her pieces for a weekend away will transform the entire contents of your SUITCASE. Here she shares her Georgia influence.



Georgian-born
brand LALO Cardigans is turning the
definition of knitwear on its head thanks to creative director Lalo
Dolidze’s eccentrically inspired take on cold-weather dressing. Meticulously handcrafted by
talented craftspeople in her home country of
Georgia
, each LALO dress, coat and cardigan is a work of art,
with details ranging from sequins and feathers to patchwork on
oversized silhouettes. A bold and refreshing reimagining of the
standard woollen coat we reach for on chillier days, Lalo Dolidze
is the peppy designer to jazz up your winter wardrobe. Packing just
one of her pieces for a weekend away will transform the entire
contents of your SUITCASE, while also signalling that you’re ahead
of the curve as the Georgian fashion is very much the one to watch
right now.

Designer: Lalo Dolidze

Origin: Georgian

Homebase: Tbilisi, Georgia

Type of brand: A womenswear brand focused on
handcrafted knitwear.



How did you get into fashion?

I was always interested in knitting and did it as a hobby for
years, but it was more than that; it was my genuine passion. The
Vazi cardigan was the one that started the brand, and it remains
one of our signatures today. I made the first one for myself and it
caused a quite a stir – we launched and sold out in an unbelievably
short time.

What drew you to knitting in particular?

Knitting is interesting because it has so many details and
techniques. I think I was drawn to it because you can truly create
any shape or ornament if you put your mind to it.

How does Georgia influence your designs?

The Vazi cardigan in particular was inspired by how vines and
grapes grow and the shapes they create. Grapes are a very important
fruit in Georgian culture and history as we have always been a
wine-making country. A lot of my pieces are influenced by nature,
its forms and colour palettes – in many cases, it’s the nature
found in Georgia.

Which designers influence you the most?

Coco Chanel, Phoebe Philo, Cristóbal Balenciaga.

Where do you source most of your materials?

Mostly in Georgia.

Talk us through the creative process.

It starts in my head, and that can happen anytime – anything I
see around me can trigger an idea. When we start the process of
creating it may take up to four weeks for each design. We try out
different versions and varieties in order to achieve the perfect
representation of what I had in mind. With knitwear, there are
numerous details that can change everything.

What is your definition of “slow
fashion
“?

I think what I do is an example of “slow fashion”. Every design
we make is either entirely handmade or at has elements in the
embroidery and knitwear. All our pieces are handcrafted in Georgia
by local masters and take a long time to make. For me, slow fashion
is of much higher quality and allows the designer to put uniqueness
and originality into every piece of clothing and accessory.



Describe LALO in three words.

Singular, intricate, colourful.

Where do you shop for autumn and winter clothing?

Lalo Cardigans, Acne and Max Mara.

What should we do in Tbilisi?

When you’re in Tbilisi you have to have lunch or dinner at
Stamba Hotel and Keto & Kote.

Which LALO pieces are in your SUITCASE for a weekend break in
Georgia?

I always need one of my woollen cardigans with me. It’s such a
versatile piece and it should be in every wardrobe. I love pairing
it with the light, flowing dress to mix the textures and elevate
the look. For me, it’s perfect for a cozy evening with family or
going out with friends during weekends.

Discover More
City Guide: Tbilisi, Georgia