Lola Tong, co-founded by Vlora Rexhepi and Dennis Tong in 2020, is a pioneering fashion start-up based in Lucerne, Switzerland. The brand distinguishes itself through its commitment to sustainability, transparency, and exceptional craftsmanship. Lola Tong focuses on creating unique, high-quality fashion pieces while ensuring that the production process is environmentally friendly and ethical.
Success Metrics
20%
Reduced production timing by 20%
100%
100% of fabrics sourced from certified sustainable factories
50%
Increased annual revenue by 50% through improved production efficiency
The Challenge
From the outset, finding a reliable manufacturer posed a significant challenge for Lola Tong. The fashion industry is replete with manufacturers, but identifying those that are trustworthy and adhere to contracts can be daunting, especially for a start-up with limited resources. Prior to collaborating with Italian Artisan, Lola Tong faced issues with manufacturers who failed to stick to contracts and timelines, impacting their production schedule and quality assurance. Additionally, navigating the complexities of legal agreements and maintaining transparency in the production process were significant hurdles for the brand.
The Role of Italian Artisan in Production
Italian Artisan provided Lola Tong with the unique opportunity to engage directly with manufacturers in Italy. This collaboration allowed Vlora and Dennis to travel, visit factories, and observe the entire production process firsthand. This level of transparency was essential to ensure that their high standards for sustainability and quality were met.
“Italian Artisan is one of the best things that happen to us! As a fashion start-up is so hard to get recognised by factories and manufacturers professionally in Europe, we wanted to produce with Italian Artisan because we had the possibility to travel and see all the processes and this way see everything that happens behind our fashion pieces and ensure transparency”
— Co-founder
Production Process
- Material Sourcing: Lola Tong sources its fabrics from Italian textile factories known for their adherence to the highest standards of sustainability. This ensures that all materials used are premium, durable, and eco-friendly.
- Collaboration and Design: Working closely with Italian Artisan, Lola Tong collaborates with talented designers and artisans. The designs are conceptualized through trend research and direct artist collaboration, then brought to life with the help of tech designers and Italian factories.
- Manufacturing Excellence: The craftsmanship in Italy is celebrated worldwide, and Lola Tong leverages this to produce each piece with meticulous attention to detail. The partnership with Italian Artisan allows for open communication and creativity, ensuring that every garment meets the brand’s high standards.
- Sustainable Practices: Each collection is released as a limited edition, prioritizing quality over quantity and embracing slow fashion. Leftover fabrics are repurposed to create zero-waste designs under the “ZEROWASTE by Lola Tong” initiative. Furthermore, all packaging materials are compostable, recycled, or reusable.
“The manufacturers of Italian Artisan were just amazing, we went there, we saw the factory, we talked about the materials, we had a conversation with them, it was very kinda like a little family, we trust in them and we know how good they are in their craftsmanship, they where very honest and it was exactly what we were looking for our transparent journey”
— Co-founder
Impact of the Partnership
The collaboration with Italian Artisan has been transformative for Lola Tong. It enabled the brand to:
- Ensure complete transparency in the production process.
- Maintain high standards of quality and sustainability.
- Foster a trusting relationship with manufacturers, akin to a familial bond.
- Innovate and focus on creativity without being bogged down by legal and logistical challenges.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Since partnering with Italian Artisan, Lola Tong has achieved significant milestones, including:
- Production Efficiency: Reduced production timing by 20% compared to previous manufacturers, ensuring timely delivery of collections.
- Sustainability Metrics: 100% of fabrics sourced from certified sustainable factories, with 95% of packaging materials being compostable or recyclable.
- Waste Reduction: Implemented zero-waste initiatives, resulting in a 30% reduction in fabric waste.
- Revenue Growth: Increased annual revenue by 50% through improved production efficiency and market trust.
- Brand Recognition: Enhanced brand visibility and reputation, with a 60% increase in media mentions and industry accolades.
Conclusion
Lola Tong’s partnership with Italian Artisan exemplifies how strategic collaborations can overcome production challenges and uphold values of sustainability and craftsmanship. By working with Italian Artisan, Lola Tong has not only realized its vision of a sustainable fashion brand but also set a new standard for transparency and quality in the industry. This success story highlights the importance of reliable partnerships in achieving excellence and innovation in fashion production.
Company
Lola Tong
Headquarters
Lucerne, Switzerland
About the brand
Lola Tong, co-founded by Vlora Rexhepi and Dennis Tong in 2020, is an innovative fashion start-up headquartered in Lucerne, Switzerland. The brand stands out for its dedication to sustainability, transparency, and exceptional craftsmanship. Specializing in unique, high-quality fashion pieces, Lola Tong prioritizes environmentally friendly and ethical production processes. By highlighting the artisans behind each creation, Lola Tong aims to revolutionize the fashion industry with its commitment to slow fashion and zero-waste initiatives.
