In a world that is dominated by fast fashion, there is a beautiful, eco-conscious antidote for consumers looking for a handcrafted, designer alternative. Lunar, a two decade old, nature inspired fashion and lifestyle brand is now moving into a new era, led by South African entrepreneur Nicola Luther.
LoA met with this passion-driven entrepreneur to find out more about this great South African fashion and lifestyle brand.
What does your company do?
Lunar is a South African eco-fashion & lifestyle brand that has firmly established itself as one of South Africa’s top design labels over the past two decades. The Lunar aesthetic draws inspiration from nature and the African landscape. Crafting clothing to be as natural as possible, both in fabrication and design. Sophisticated yet simple styles created using only the finest quality materials. Lunar is best known for making use of natural fibres and pigment dyes - fabrics that are from the earth - with little human interference.
"Lunar is best known for making use of natural fibres and pigment dyes - fabrics that are from the earth - with little human interference."
What inspired you to start your company?
Lunar was founded in 1994 by fashion designer Karen Ter Morshuizen. Initially, she simply wanted to make clothes she thought were beautiful and hoped other people would think the same. Her partnership with Paul Harris saw the conception of a lifestyle store offering unique nature inspired merchandise. Thanks to their talent and shared vision, a truly special fashion and lifestyle brand was born.
The ethos of the Lunar lifestyle has always resonated with me personally. I was fortunate to get a job at my dream company and after about 4 years of hard work and determination, I was blessed enough to be able to take over the reins and be entrusted with this wonderful label that had won my heart as well as the hearts of many of our loyal customers over the years.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
Lunar has always stood for responsible fashion, both ecologically as well as socially. In recent times, the principles of ethical consumerism have become more pertinent than ever. In addition to getting a beautifully flattering garment, lovingly crafted from the finest natural fabrics with quality workmanship; you are also partaking in the Lunar lifestyle. One of minimalism, creativity, social consciousness and a love and appreciation for the earth.
"Lunar has always stood for responsible fashion, both ecologically as well as socially."
Tell us a little about your team
At Lunar we are fortunate enough to have a wonderful team of talented, brilliant women. Many of our seamstresses have been part of our little Lunar family for well over 10 years. They are truly masters of their craft and their skill and wisdom is testament to many years of experience. We are lucky to have them and to be able to learn from their knowledge.
Although I, Nicola Luther, have been part of our Lunar family since 2012. I have fairly recently moved into my new role as owner and creative director. Mid 2017, I was joined by Sonja Stanislaus-Kaw Di-Aping, who was part of the original groundbreaking and multi-award winning Stoned Cherrie design team. She joins me after spending the past 9 years in New York and Nairobi. Together, we have a strong team that is poised to lead the brand we all know and love into the future.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
I’m fairly new to entrepreneurship. So far, my journey has been a bit of a rollercoaster and I’ve loved every minute of it! Through the twists and turns I’ve been challenged, grown, and learnt immeasurably. Although my background isn’t strictly entrepreneurial, I’ve always had the values of independence, strength, perseverance and having the courage of one’s convictions fostered in me. These traits, I’ve come to learn, are essential to entrepreneurship.
"Lunar aspires to expand in the global market where it can reach a larger audience with its message of sustainability and creativity."
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Moving ahead, Lunar aspires to expand in the global market where it can reach a larger audience with its message of sustainability and creativity. Clothing that is understated, sophisticated, timeless and inspired by the beautiful African landscape which we hope to preserve.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The freedom of self-determination.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
Do what terrifies you. You won’t regret it.
Contact or follow Lunar
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL info@lunarlife.co.za
Why LoA loves it….
It’s always special to find those businesses and brands that really stand out in the marketplace because of the strong ethos that underpins them. In the case of Lunar, it’s a brand that epitomizes the notion of responsible and ethical fashion, and its new creative and business leader, Nicola Luther, is today building the next fascinating phase of its journey. This is definitely a brand to watch over the coming months and years. --- Melanie Hawken, founder and ceo of Lionesses of Africa