LRNCE
LRNCE is a Marrakesh based lifestyle and fashion brand founded by Belgian textile artist Laurence Leenaert. It makes ready to wear, bags, sandals, textiles, rugs and ceramics with artisan workshops across the city.
| Founder | Laurence Leenaert |
|---|---|
| Base | Marrakesh, Morocco |
| Origins | Artisanal handbags, Belgium |
| Production | Artisan workshops in Marrakesh |
| Website | lrnce.com |
What is LRNCE?
LRNCE is the bohemian lifestyle brand of Laurence Leenaert, a Belgian textile artist who studied fashion at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent. The brand runs a studio showroom in the centre of the Marrakesh medina.
History
LRNCE launched in Belgium with a line of artisanal handbags. Leenaert first travelled to southern Morocco in 2014 and moved to Marrakesh about a year later, where the brand grew into a wider lifestyle offer.
Products and positioning
The range spans fashion and interiors:
- Ready to wear such as kimonos
- Bags and sandals
- Hand painted textiles, embroidered rugs and wall hangings
- Ceramics with geometric painting and ceramic lamps
Pieces are produced by artisan workshops throughout Marrakesh, which gives the collections their handmade character.
Distribution
LRNCE sells from its Marrakesh showroom and online, and has shown at trade fairs including Maison et Objet in Paris and NY NOW in New York.
Why it matters
LRNCE is an example of a design led brand building a business on Moroccan craft networks, moving fluidly between clothing, accessories and homeware.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded LRNCE?
LRNCE was founded by Belgian textile artist Laurence Leenaert, who trained at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Ghent.
Where is LRNCE based?
LRNCE is based in Marrakesh, Morocco, where it has a studio showroom in the medina.