When it comes to linen, ARKITAIP is our absolute go to. We were delighted to catch up with founder Lea to really delve into the brand and to discover what lies at the heart of their beautiful collections.
It’s so lovely to chat! I’m Lea, founder of arkitaip - a linen-focused ready-to-wear and homeware brand rooted in simplicity, craftsmanship, and a more conscious way of living.
How did your brand come about - what made you want to start it and what were you doing before?
It’s funny because I never actually planned on working in fashion. I studied journalism and was working in that field at the time. Starting a fashion brand was more of a quiet teenage dream - something that almost felt a bit childish to admit out loud.
But the real inspiration was my mum. She was incredibly talented when it comes to anything handmade - knitting, crocheting, anything that involves craftsmanship and working with your hands. She would spend hours creating the most beautiful pieces, from crochet bikinis, gorgeous jumpers to delicious cakes and jams, always with so much care and attention. Watching her made me realise how much time, care, and skill goes into making something properly.
That really shifted my perspective on fashion. I started questioning how fast fashion is even possible - under what conditions things are made so quickly and cheaply. That curiosity led me down a path of research, and eventually to the idea of starting something myself.
At the time, my mum was already making beautiful crochet bikinis for me, and that was really the beginning. I had to convince her to start the brand with me, and together we slowly built the first ideas around those early handmade pieces. I began looking for something that would complement them, and that was when linen came in - and gradually became the foundation of arkitaip.
Looking back, the brand was deeply shaped by her. Her sense of beauty, her creativity, and her appreciation for things made with care became such an important part of arkitaip’s identity from the very beginning.
You began the brand with your Mother, that must have been a special process, can you tell us a bit about it?
Yes, it was incredibly special. My mum and I started the brand together, and in many ways she is still such a strong part of it, even though she is not with us anymore. She had a very natural talent for making things with beauty and care, and she taught me so much about patience and the value of making something properly.
Building arkitaip together was deeply personal, and I think we became even closer through the process of creating something side by side. She brought this incredible creativity and sensitivity to everything she did, and I brought the vision of shaping it into a brand, so it felt like a very natural coming together of our strengths.
Even now, her presence is still very much part of arkitaip. So much of the brand’s spirit - its softness, its sense of care, and its appreciation for craftsmanship - came from her, and I carry that with me in everything I do.
Can you run through the design process - what inspires you?
The design process is very intuitive. I’m inspired by everyday moments - travel, nature,
architecture, old photographs of the women in my life, and the way people actually live in their clothes. We focus on creating pieces that feel effortless but considered, with small details that elevate them. It’s less about trends and more about building a wardrobe that lasts.
Why linen? What makes it central to Arkitaip's identity?
Linen felt like the most natural starting point. It’s a beautiful, breathable fabric that gets better with time, and it has a much lower environmental impact compared to many other materials. It perfectly reflects what arkitaip stands for - ease, longevity, and a connection to nature. It’s not just a fabric for us, it’s really the foundation of the brand.
What is the best bit about what you do?
Seeing how people wear and interpret the pieces in their own way. There’s something really rewarding about creating something that becomes part of someone’s everyday life or special moments.
Why is sustainable design important to you, what does it mean to Arkitaip?
For me, sustainability is about responsibility and intention. It’s about creating pieces that are made to last, using natural materials, working with trusted partners, and producing in a way that respects both people and the environment. At arkitaip, it’s not a trend - it’s something that informs every decision we make.
Your new collection has just landed, can you tell us a bit about it and any hero pieces you are most excited about?
To me, this collection feels very effortless yet refined- it’s about easy silhouettes, soft structure, and a quiet sense of confidence. We focused on versatile pieces that can move through different moments of the day and feel just as right dressed up as they do worn more casually.
I’m especially excited about our striped pieces, which are still to come, as they feel both feminine and modern. I also love the olive green pieces - it’s one of my favourite colours, and to me it feels so chic and timeless.
My personal favourite is the Ophelia Blouse, which I’ve actually been wearing
all winter long as well. I love that it works across seasons so naturally, which is exactly the kind of versatility we always want to create at arkitaip.
Lastly, what do you hope people feel when they wear arkitaip?
I hope they feel at ease, confident, and like the best version of themselves - without trying too hard. There’s a certain quiet elegance I want the pieces to bring, something that feels natural and timeless.
