Sunday, October 7, 2012

Product Review: Lalla Love

Lalla means Madame or Mylady in Moroccan Arabic, and when I stepped into the boutique Lalla: from Marrakech with love xxx I certainly felt like a Madame. I found myself surrounded by gorgeous handbags and accessories made by hand from the finest of leathers in the boldest of colors. A small boutique hidden on the second floor in the souks (markets) of the old medina (old city) of Marrakech, Lalla: from Marrakech with love xxx is an hidden treasure chest of many temptations.
 

Laetitia Trouillet, the designer and owner got her start at the Portobello Road Market in London, and as her bags grew in popularity and demand she took her business to Marrakech. Many of Laetitia's bags have a Moroccan flair to them: the cross body saddle bag, traditional Moroccan carpet bags, and makeup bags made from vintage Moroccan fabric. Each one is unique and lovely.


Every purse is one-of-a-kind and handmade by Laetitia and 3 others in her workshop in Marrakech. Large purses, coin purses, studded clutches – all made from the finest of leather and suede and all with fine details that will please a sharp eye. Hot pink piping, funky fabric lining, or a sparkly blue zipper pull make Lalla bags special. An important feature of Lalla bags is that the “leather doesn't smell” unlike the traditional leather Moroccan bags found throughout the souks of Marrakech and Fez. 

Mine! Leather clutch and African fabric tote.  The love is in the details.

The best and most exciting part about shopping at Lalla: from Marrakech with love xxx is that these bags are affordable; but only in Marrakech. Once Laetitia ships her bags off to exclusive, high-end retailers and boutiques in New York City, Paris and London, the prices will undoubtedly double or triple. So bring your wallet, and if you are a Peace Corps Volunteer bring your American money, because it is difficult to pass up soft, supple leather and modern style for under 100$. Lalla bags are the perfect Moroccan souvenir for Madames who look for quality, hand-craftsmanship, beauty, and affordability all wrapped up in such a lovely package!

Find Lalla in the Marrakech Medina:
Souk Cherifia; Sidi Abdelazziz
Dar El Bacha souk entrance

Good luck and happy shopping!