Isolation with Lakshmi Pillai is a cosy and wholesome affair. The owner of ethical fashion boutique Lakshmi is coping in the same way as the rest of us; working on 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles and getting creative in the kitchen. She tells RUSSH of the ways she still looks for creativity and her oh-so-relatable iso uniform.
Hello my name is…
Lakshmi Pillai
And I am currently in ….
One of my striped muslin pyjama big shirts (iso uniform)
At this moment I am looking at …
Morning sun in the backyard and my two trying to put together a 1000 piece puzzle.
My daily ritual is …
I love my early mornings! I try to do an hour of yoga every morning. I also use this time to sit outside meditate and then write down anything and everything that inspire me.
Once the kids are up, we go for a walk, barefoot on the grass if we can.
Currently I’m reading …
Mary Oliver Devotions, mainly as a bedtime story with my daughter.
I spend my time alone …
A lot of trial and error Indian cooking. Having all this time, I’m looking at food I grew up with trying to master this. Surprisingly it’s not as time consuming as I had imagined. Just need to stock up on the right spices and herbs. I’ve also recently switched to a plant based diet which takes a lot more planning and preparation.
My health and beauty routine looks like…
Yoga, running and as many walks as I can squeeze in through the day. My beauty routine is cleansing, a good moisturiser and suncream (I love the whole Drunk Elephant collection) - I don’t wear a lot of make-up but if I do its lip from RMS and Kajal eyes.
I express myself by …
Creating and curating textiles, clothing collections, objects that have a special meaning capturing hours of handwork, weaving, embroidery and stories, techniques and the culture of the people who have made them.
My greatest extravagance is …
A cashmere blanket from one of my latest projects
My current state of mind is …
Service
The quality I most admire is ...
A sense of humour.
The best advice I’ve ever been given…
Cling on tightly to every silver lining in our lives.
My mind always travels to …
An opportunity to design my first Wedding Dress. Think regal style, muslin and personalised poem embroidery veils.
The greatest love of my life …
My family, friends (near and far) and work.
My current projects is …
Spirit Animals, something that can be personalised to everyone and not mass made.
This period has highlighted more than ever the need for sustainability, not just as what we wear but a way of our everyday life. Making and giving more with less.
A part of my work I love most is ...
My clients and knowing them more.
It was inspired by …
Nature - the best designer there is!
The artists I find most compelling currently are… Tracey Emin, I love!
My hopes and dreams for the future are…
That we can all learn to lead with our hearts and live more gently and in tune with nature.
