For this chapter in the Library we sit down with our founder Marika about her creative vision for Lanamara, the sense of nostalgia that is the spirit of the brand, and how she will always be a collector at heart.

 

Nostalgia is at the heart of Lanamara and where you find inspiration. Can you tell us about this?

As a child I was always immersed in nature, many holidays were spent either roaming my grandparents farm or at the beach.

Every summer my family would head to the same beach side town, where I go now with my own family. There is so much nostalgia when returning to the same place... long walks, hot chips on the beach, beach combing, melting icecreams, the ocean air, balmy sunsets...they are some of my most cherished memories and I know they are for my children now too.

I also grew up surrounded by beautiful textiles in my mother's sewing room, it was an incredibly creative environment. Mum was a self taught dress maker and encouraged me to learn about patterns, fabrics and how to sew. 

My sister and I would spend hours playing dress ups with my mums outfits from the 70's and also my grandmothers from the 50's. Embellished coats, dresses and accessories that were made by them, often by hand. They were so tactile and I remember so distinctly this feeling of glamour and sense of intimacy and connection of knowing only one jacket or dress like it existed.

I'm such an aesthete, I surround myself with art, shells and coral (I'm slightly obsessed).

Growing up watching both my mum and grandmother, as well as women on film and in magazines 'getting dressed', instilled in me the power of apparel and accessories. The sense of ritual of layering lingerie with a dreamy dress, expressive jewellery, a beaded bag, an amazing pair of heels and finishing off with an alluring fragrance.

Collectively these experiences provide such a rich source of reflection that is at the heart of Lanamara.

 

Above | My mum in an off the shoulder silk lurex maxi dress she made for herself with a floral choker, so chic. I remember swishing around the house in this with layers of mum's jewellery.

 

You are a big believer in trusting your intuition, how this been true for you?

I had always dreamt of a career in fashion but was discouraged so I studied Professional Communications and worked in a corporate environment. I soon decided that definitely wasn't for me so worked in fashion retail and interiors, but I still felt incomplete and unsatisfied and didn't want to have regrets in life.

I had always been a people pleaser and lacked confidence in myself, I hadn't thought I was very talented or creative but suddenly I realised I was. I realised there were people out there starting businesses, designing and creating so I decided, 'Why not me?'. My children were becoming more independent and my intuition was tugging at me to take notice of these feeling I had.

 

Above | Art adds so much personality and depth to a home.

I'd just been overseas, and felt there were a lack of accessories in Australia that had a more elevated yet bohemian feel to them like I had seen throughout Europe. European women, especially in the 60's and 70's had this effortlessly laid back look of relaxed glamour that is just so timeless.

I had the purpose, the USP (unique selling proposition), the timing was right so I decided to launch Lanamara.

 

What is your creative vision for Lanamara?

I have always imagined Lanamara as a lifestyle brand with a quintessentially bohemian spirit. 

The Lanamara woman's Sankalpa (a heartfelt vow, statement, or goal that connects you to your highest truth) is, 'I am here to experience the full expansion of my soul'.

She seeks out abundant experiences that fill her soul. She loves to travel, be with her family & friends, share nurturing food, take care of herself emotionally, physically and spiritually.

So when I think about this woman, our customer, creatively there is so much to explore and bring to life to serve her.

I'm excited to be working toward a womenswear range and I have lots of ideas to expand our accessories collections to include belts that work back with our jewellery, and to also return to our bags and baskets that we started with.

 

Above | One of our first shoots with our Maxi Grazia Basket Bag - proudly created in collaboration with our all female basketry cooperative in Morocco.

I love entertaining and the connection that comes with sitting around a beautifully dressed table. I've always been obsessed with tableware, embroidered linens, spongeware ceramics and I could go on! So maybe a homeware collection too? I'll continue to dream...

 

You describe yourself as an aesthete and a collector, tell us about this?

I live in a mid century home, it has this amazing energy and light, my husband and I fell in love with it the moment we stepped inside. 

Our home is filled with pieces I have found on my travels and in vintage shops and flea markets. 

I've always had a connection to things that feel like they have lived another life and have a story to tell, much like the pieces we create at Lanamara.

 

Above | A basket from my mother-in-law treasures, I imagine her carrying this around in the summers of her youth, feeling radiant and carefree. She is such a naturally curious and optimistic woman which I have always admired in her.

I'm such an aesthete, I surround myself with art, shells and coral (I'm slightly obsessed), books, flowers, textiles & ceramics which all inform my sense of style, collecting provides an endless amount of inspiration for Lanamara too.

I have this amazing handpainted Italian urn that I bought with money my grandmother left me when she passed away, so I feel her near me whenever I look at it.

I think the mix of old and new, familiar and foreign is what truly makes a home feel homely... and lighting! A love a good lamp or wall light.

I'm always on the lookout for my next 'find'.