About Lanuuk
London based brand, Lanuuk (pronounced la-nouk) was established in 2018 by Ayesha Mahomed and Katleya Nielsen; two women from differing international backgrounds and experiences, with a shared passion to create full coverage swimwear that does not compromise on femininity, style, quality or comfort.
Lanuuk's collections are designed by us, for us, considering every detail to create a look that balances style with quality, modesty and practicality, providing women with the comfort they require to live life to its fullest. With elegant cuts and classic colour combinations, Lanuuk’s versatile collections are designed to suit a range of body types and style preferences.
The Journey of a Lanuuk Piece
At Lanuuk, we believe that luxury swimwear isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good, too. This belief starts with our dedication to creating pieces that not only make our customers feel confident and empowered but also support sustainable and ethical practices from the ground up. As a small business, we take a hands-on approach to every step of our production process.
In this video, we take you behind the scenes to show you the process of creating a Lanuuk piece showcasing the thoughtful care and attention that goes into every design. From sketching new designs and selecting fabrics, and from prototyping to the production process, we personally ensure that every piece is made with love and care.
Crafting with Care: Our Ethical Manufacturing Process
One of the cornerstones of Lanuuk’s philosophy is our commitment to ethical manufacturing. Our production takes place in a small, family-run factory in the Philippines, where we work closely with a team of skilled artisans and manufacturers who share our values. Katleya, our co-founder, plays an integral role in overseeing every part of the process, visiting the factory once a week, or every two weeks, to oversee design and production.
For us, ethical manufacturing goes far beyond paying fair wages. It’s about creating a working environment that values and supports the people behind our brand. When you invest in a Lanuuk piece, you can be confident that the people that contribute to creating that piece are paid fairly for their work, and we ensure that their working conditions are safe, comfortable, and free from exploitation. We truly believe that when workers are treated with respect and provided with a good environment, it reflects in the final product.
We also take pride in our direct relationship with the people who produce our swimwear. This level of transparency helps us maintain quality control at every stage, from fabric selection to the final stitching. Our team’s deep expertise and pride in their craft make all the difference in creating the luxurious, well-crafted pieces you know and love.
Sustainability Beyond Materials
Sustainability is a key value at Lanuuk, and we want to clarify that for us, it’s not just about using recycled fabrics. Yes, we do use recycled materials where possible, but true sustainability is embedded in our processes. It’s about creating swimwear in a way that doesn’t rely on excess resources, where every decision is made with care, intention, and respect for the environment.
Our approach to sustainable manufacturing is slow, considered, and focused on minimalism. We believe in taking the time to create products that are built to last, avoiding the wastefulness of fast fashion. By working with a smaller, specialized team, we can limit our carbon footprint and reduce the resources needed to create each piece.
We are deeply involved in every step of the design and production process, ensuring that each garment is created with these values in mind.
Our Process
The journey of each Lanuuk piece begins long before it reaches the water. Leya starts with hand-drawn sketches, capturing the essence of each new design.
During the design and prototyping process, Leya and I go back and forth refining each design. We think about every angle, every stitch, considering aspects such as body diversity and modesty. It’s about the balance between aesthetics and function, and we both weigh in to make sure each piece meets our high standards.
From there, we carefully select the right fabrics, with a focus on longevity and durability, which means they’re made to withstand the test of time and continue to look good year after year. Once the fabrics are chosen, the production team gets to work, creating each piece with meticulous attention to detail.
Our factory team ensures that each garment is crafted to perfection. We focus on small batches and personal care, so that no detail goes unnoticed. And, with our commitment to quality and ethics, Leya is on the ground, working closely with the teams, making sure that everything from stitching to finishing meets our standards.
A Brand You Can Feel Good About
When you wear Lanuuk, you’re not just wearing a swimsuit; you’re wearing a piece that has been carefully and thoughtfully made. Each design, each stitch, and each fabric choice is a reflection of our values. We’re proud to offer swimwear that not only elevates your style but also supports a brand that cares deeply about people and the planet.